President William Ruto and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on Monday revoked the appointment of board chairs and members of four sugar factories that were leased to private entities barely a week ago.
The leasing of the farms meant that they were no longer state properties, at least for the 30 years they are under lease, hence the respective office holders, specifically the board members, had to vacate office.
In the Gazette Notice seen by the Star, dated May 12, Ruto sent home John Nyambok (ENG.), who served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Chemelil Sugar Company Limited, Alfred Khang’ati, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Nzoia Sugar Company and Jared Odhiambo Opiyo, who was the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of South Nyanza Sugar Company Limited
Among the board members affected is UDA official in Homa Bay, Silas Jakakimba, who was serving as the board member of South Nyanza Sugar Company Limited. Kagwe revoked his appointment effective May 12, 2025.
Other members affected by the sack in South Nyanza Sugar Company Limited are Mary Akoth Were, Laura Abishag Matiko, Catherine Wangamati, Kipkoech Kirui, John Billy Momanyi and Douglas Kailanya.
At Chemelil Sugar Company, Samwel Ogola Bonyo, Mary Simat, Henry Ntongai Mitu, David Kiplagat Kitur, Enricah Apiyo Dulo and John Kipyegon Chesiror had their appointments revoked.
Elizabeth Mudukiza Iminza, Patrice Chumba, Millicent Anyango Abudho, Benson Madebe Chahasi, Caroline Chematui Temoi, Bonface Okhiya Otsiula and Okwakau Ino Jonathan, who served as members of the Board of Directors of Nzoia Sugar Company Limited, have also been sent home.
The government Friday completed the long-awaited leasing of four public sugar factories, marking a turning point in efforts to breathe life back into Kenya’s once-thriving sugar sector.
Kagwe said the government had officially handed over the operations of Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony, and Muhoroni sugar companies to private millers under a 30-year lease.
Kagwe said West Kenya Sugar Company will now be operated by Nzoia Sugar; Chemelil has gone to Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries; Sony Sugar will be run by Busia Sugar Industry Ltd; while West Valley Sugar Company has taken over Muhoroni.
The four factories have since been handed over to the companies that will henceforth manage them for the 30-year period.
