New management takes over the defunct Pan paper Mills in Webuye

Written by Rosemary Wachiye

Dr. Joseph Muliaro. Pan African paper mills has been put under new management of Dr. Joseph Muliaro Wafula, a lecturer at Jommo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) who takes over  as the team leader of the task force appointed to revive the factory. This comes just a day after the former pan paper workers complained of poor management by the outgoing team led by Mr.John Munguti and called upon the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Industrialization Mr.Kibichu Karanja to act upon their grievances and help revive the paper mill. Dr.Muliaro has been appointed by the Ministry of Industrialization to spear head the revival process of the factory a task that has been on since its closure 3 years ago. “As much as I accept that the factory is under bad state I am confident with my plans towards reviving the paper mills which the previous reign did not have,” said Dr.Muliaro. He promised to ensure coherent leadership towards resolving the existing problems of division among the technical team that had been caused by a confusing chain of command from two rival principles. He has stated that he will come up with a comprehensive production plan that is cost effective in ensuring that all the procurement problems were catered for. Dr.Muliaro has stated openly that the only solution to all the problems facing pan paper workers and former staff is the revival of the mill which through its working will enable the factory generate cash that will pay off the debts owed to all the short term and long term lenders and unsecured creditors. “Am working towards the ultimate solution to all the problems by ensuring that the factory starts working in the shortest time possible so that we can be able to pay workers and the creditors,” said Dr.Muliaro. “The only way for the company to start is by having a breakthrough with the negotiation with the receivership, once that is finalized then there will be so little left for the factory to start,” said Dr.Muliaro. He promised to work on creating a friendly environment around the paper mill and with the former workers of the factory that will enable them deliver. The lack of communication that was eminent with the previous team, he stated will not be experienced in his reign. He also made it clear that his appointment to office was not based on his tribe as a luhya from western province but his expertise in technology and in as much as the residents around the factory were excited about it he wanted them to note that he has the skills to revive it. “I want to urge the community to extend a good will and support towards reviving this company and when they do that then we will work well together and see that it starts working again,” said Dr.Muliaro.