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Thousands of sugar workers go on strike over Ksh10.8B arrears
30th January, 2026 03:26 PM
Thousands of workers in Kenya’s sugar sector have gone on strike, demanding payment of more than Ksh10.8 billion in salary arrears and benefits following the leasing of four state-owned sugar factories to private investors.
The strike, which began on January 29, 2026, affects the Muhoroni, Nzoia, and Sony Sugar factories, with workers at Chemelil Sugar Factory also participating despite what the union describes as intimidation and threats.
According to Francis Wangara, the General Secretary of the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers, the factories were leased out in May 2025, and during the process, the union engaged the government to safeguard workers’ interests.
He said the discussions culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining how workers would be treated during and after the leasing process, including the payment of accrued benefits and salary arrears.
“What is stalling the process now is the payment of workers’ benefits and salary arrears that were supposed to be settled,” Wangara said.
He revealed that salary arrears alone amounted to about Ksh3 billion, of which Ksh1.9 billion remains outstanding.
“When workers were exiting and being taken over by the new investors, we computed their accrued benefits based on their years of service,” he said.
According to the union, the total outstanding amount combining unpaid arrears and terminal benefits now stands at Ksh10.8 billion.
Government has not honoured agreement
Wangara noted that in October last year, the union held talks with the government, during which it was agreed that Ksh4 billion would be allocated by the National Treasury. Of this amount, Ksh1.9 billion was allocated to clear salary arrears, with the remaining balance used to partially settle workers’ benefits.
“The commitment we were given by the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and his Principal Secretary was that the remaining balance of about Ksh6 billion would be cleared by June this year,” he said.
However, Wangara described the situation as unfortunate, noting that the promised Ksh4 billion, which was expected before December, has not been paid to date.
He added that the union had previously issued strike notices but withdrew two strikes in good faith, a move he says has now become unsustainable.
“We have been forced to call another strike because workers cannot continue tolerating broken promises,” he said.
Wangara confirmed that the strike is protected by law, noting that all required notices were issued.
“This is a protective strike. The notice was given, and the outcome of this action will benefit all workers, including those who may not be participating,” he said.
He condemned alleged threats against workers at Chemelil Sugar Factory, saying the intimidation is unacceptable and violates workers’ constitutional right to strike.
The union has appealed to the government and the Head of State to urgently intervene and address the workers’ plight.
Wangara also accused the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary of misleading workers.
“It is unfortunate that a minister appointed by the state makes promises that cannot be honoured. These failures eventually reflect back on the Head of State, but we believe the President has the capacity to listen to our pleas and resolve this matter,” he said.
He confirmed that the strike will continue until the funds are credited to the workers’ accounts.
Wangara further suggested that if millers want operations to resume, they could recover funds owed to them by the factories, pay workers, and later seek reimbursement from the government.
About 5,000 workers are affected by the strike, many of whom are now stranded at home with their families and struggling to make ends meet.
“These workers are languishing in poverty with their children. This situation is dire and should not be ignored by the government,” he said.
