Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has urged the Ministry of Agriculture to withdraw its approval of mass redundancies in state-owned sugar factories, warning that the move could destabilise the sector.
He said the decision undermines the sugar revival programme, which was intended to rejuvenate struggling mills and safeguard workers’ livelihoods.
“The leasing of these sugar mills was meant to revive the sector, enhance efficiency, and improve the welfare of all stakeholders. The goal was to create a sustainable future, not to dismantle the existing workforce,” Nyong’o said in a statement.
In a memo dated August 12, Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Rono directed the management of Nzoia, Sony, Chemelil and the joint receiver manager of Muhoroni Sugar Company to issue redundancy notices in line with the Employment Act, 2007, and respective CBAs.
“In light of the ongoing restructuring of public sugar companies under the leasing framework, you are hereby directed to issue formal redundancy notices to all affected employees,” the PS stated, adding that the notices should specify reasons for termination, outline entitlements, and assure workers that dues will be settled.
Nyong’o, however, said laying off workers before paying outstanding arrears would be unfair.
He noted that the government had previously committed to settle dues owed to sugar workers.
He also criticised the ministry for not consulting county governments, arguing that such a decision has far-reaching effects on local economies.
“It is disconcerting that a decision with such profound impacts on the economies of several counties was taken without consultation. The livelihoods of thousands of citizens should not be determined unilaterally,” he said.
The governor called on the National Treasury to release funds to clear workers’ arrears and urged the Ministry of Agriculture, the Council of Governors, and worker representatives to hold talks on a more sustainable solution.
Meanwhile, workers at Chemelil Sugar Company last week went on strike over delayed July salaries and Sh1.5 billion in arrears owed across state-owned mills.
They vowed not to vacate company houses until their terminal dues are paid, and appealed to President William Ruto to intervene.
