In the middle of Muhoroni, the crushed cane scent floats through the morning air, and the rhythmic hum of machinery alludes to an odyssey of toil and legacy. This is a community defined by resilience. At its very core stands the Muhoroni man-a figure of quiet endurance with his life intricately woven into the threads of the town’s iconic sugar factory since anyone can remember.
Founded in 1964 as East Africa Sugar Industries Ltd, Muhoroni Sugar Factory began modestly in 1966, crushing 800 tonnes of cane per day. Over the years, it grew to a capacity of 2,200 tonnes daily, symbolizing industrial progress. But beyond the numbers, there is a deeply human story of perseverance, sacrifice, and belief in a better tomorrow.
For decades, workers such as Jeremiah Okello, who spent 33 years at the factory, arrived daily-even when salaries stopped coming for almost five years. They put in hours, ran machines, tended the cane, and kept the heartbeat of Muhoroni going. It was out of duty, dignity, and, above all, family.
“Before the factory was revived, life was tough. But we stayed because our families needed us, and the factory’s school was part of our children’s future,” said a colleague of Okello.
It was a long-awaited change with the takeover by Kipchimchim Group. Salaries were paid, and the many years of sacrifices of the Muhoroni man were finally recognized. Celebrating this spirit, NCBA Bank chose Muhoroni for a special Men’s Day event to celebrate the longevity of service among its employees and appreciate their resilience, commitment, and impact on the community.
Muhoroni Man: Visible, celebrated, and valued.
At the core of the celebration was Jeremiah Okello, whose dedication for over three decades made him a symbol of the Muhoroni man. An emotional reflection by his son: “My father never let us see his struggle. Never once. He silently carried it, but it shaped him into the man he is today.”
The recognition went beyond accolades, as NCBA parceled out care packages filled with locally sourced supplies to celebrate the employees’ contributions while underlining awareness of mental health. Factory leadership urged workers to speak out, lean on one another, and embrace the strength in vulnerability-reminding this community that heroes need help, too.
NCBA’s involvement is more than symbolic. Through a joint deal, the bank has financed the West Valley Sugar Factory project along with Kipchimchim Group and revitalized Muhoroni Sugar Company, breathing life into the local economy.
From community projects to regional investments, NCBA has introduced itself as something more than a bank-it is a partner, knowing the face behind the labor and the Muhoroni man behind the machine.
By the time the event came to a close, one truth was crystal clear: it is not hardship that defines the Muhoroni man, but rising in the face of it. For the first time in many years, the men of Muhoroni were celebrated, seen, and honored-a tribute to resilience, dignity, and hope.
Read Also: NCBA Change The Story Initiative Sparks Powerful Renewal for Muhoroni’s Men of Strength
