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Sugar sector workers have called off a planned nationwide strike following renewed negotiations with the government, even as their union maintains that billions of shillings in unpaid wages and benefits remain outstanding.
The Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) said it suspended the industrial action after the Ministry of Agriculture gave assurances that part of the arrears would be paid before the Christmas holidays.
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However, the union insists workers are still owed a total of Sh10.8 billion in accumulated salary arrears and terminal benefits.
KUSPAW Secretary-General Francis Wangara said the strike, which was due to begin on Monday, was halted after talks with Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Rono on Sunday in Eldoret. During the meeting, the PS pledged to engage the National Treasury to fast-track the release of funds to support affected workers.
Wangara said the government has approved a partial payment of Sh1 billion, although the union is yet to receive confirmation on when the money will be disbursed. He noted that the union had left room for dialogue when issuing the strike notice, provided the government showed goodwill in addressing workers’ demands.
He warned that it would be unfair for workers to head into the festive season without receiving any portion of their owed salaries or benefits, adding that failure to honour the commitment would further erode trust in the government.
According to the union, the Sh1 billion will only cover a small fraction of the Sh10.8 billion debt. The Agriculture Ministry has also indicated plans to seek an additional Sh4 billion from January, with a pledge that all outstanding arrears will be cleared by June 30 next year.
Wangara said priority will be given to former employees so they can receive their full terminal benefits, while workers who have already been absorbed into the payroll will continue earning salaries as talks on the remaining dues continue.
He cautioned, however, that the union will reassess its position if the promised funds are not released, warning of possible action when workers resume duty after the New Year.
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The planned strike had raised fears of major disruptions across the sugar belt, particularly at leased state-owned mills where workers have endured prolonged salary delays amid ongoing sector reforms.
The action was expected to halt operations at Muhoroni, Chemelil, Nzoia and Sony sugar factories, which were recently leased to private investors in a bid to revive production, improve efficiency and curb losses.
Under the leasing framework, the government is tasked with stabilising operations and settling legacy debts, including outstanding salaries and terminal benefits owed to workers.
