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Sugar factory workers have called off their planned nationwide strike following high-level talks between the government and the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW).
The agreement came after a meeting at Kilimo House chaired by Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.
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The discussions included Agriculture PS Kipronoh Ronoh, Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) CEO Jude Chesire, Sugar Transition Committee Chair Harun Khator, and KUSPAW leaders led by General Secretary Francis Wangara.
The strike, which began on January 29, 2026, had disrupted operations at Muhoroni, Nzoia, Sony, and Chemelil sugar factories. Workers were protesting unpaid salary arrears and terminal benefits totaling KSh10.8 billion owed to current and former employees.
Following extensive talks, the parties reached a consensus to suspend the strike immediately while the government moves to settle the arrears. KSh1 billion will be released within two weeks to support workers facing urgent financial hardship, with the remaining balance paid through the Supplementary Budget and future allocations.
Payments will be phased to cover salary arrears, pensions, redundancy dues, and other terminal benefits, with parliamentary approval required.
CS Kagwe acknowledged the hardships endured by workers and apologized for delays, citing fiscal constraints. He emphasized that the arrears are government obligations arising from the sector’s transition process, not the responsibility of private millers currently operating the factories.
“The arrears are owed by the Government, not private millers. We will push Parliament to resolve this through the Supplementary Budget to stabilize the sugar sector once and for all,” Kagwe said.
He warned that industrial action targeting private operators or investors only prolongs worker suffering and disrupts production.
KUSPAW General Secretary Francis Wangara welcomed the government’s renewed commitment, noting that former workers face severe challenges, including lack of housing, medical coverage, and basic livelihoods.
“We have agreed to suspend the strike in good faith while monitoring the release of funds and implementation of milestones. Workers have suffered long enough,” he said.
The union also highlighted ongoing issues, including delayed remittance of union dues, poor employment terms in some factories, non-compliance with transition agreements, and alleged intimidation of union officials. These matters will be followed up with millers and investors.
KSB CEO Jude Chesire urged all stakeholders to maintain stability so that factories can operate efficiently and generate revenue for the sector. CS Kagwe condemned property destruction and unlawful acts but reaffirmed that peaceful demonstrations remain protected by law.
