Sugarcane farmers in Kenya’s Migori County have submitted a petition to the government through the County Commissioner’s office, demanding the settlement of arrears totaling Ksh 185 million, Citizen Digital reported.
The delegation, led by Argwengs Adongo, Sony Branch Secretary of the Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, expressed concern over what they described as government silence on the delayed payments. According to Adongo, authorities had pledged to clear the arrears by the end of 2025, but the commitment remains unfulfilled.
He added that farmers have attempted to engage the government through various channels without receiving a response.
Federation chairperson John Omollo Odondi supported the concerns, stating that the unpaid dues have left farmers struggling to invest in cane development. He also urged elected leaders in Migori County to intervene and press for immediate payment.
In addition to the arrears, the farmers called on the government to implement the Sugar Act so they can access support programmes under the Sugar Board. Adongo stressed the need for the board to be fully constituted to enable farmers to benefit from services such as loans.
The farmers further alleged that several promises made by President William Ruto’s administration have yet to be fulfilled.
