Kenya: Kenya’s sugar sector faces potential disruption after the Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) announced plans for a nationwide strike over KSh 1.9 billion in unpaid salaries and terminal benefits.
The industrial action, scheduled to begin on Monday, will affect workers at four state-owned sugar mills—Muhoroni, Chemelil, Nzoia and South Nyanza (SoNy)—which are currently under private management through government leasing arrangements.
Speaking to the media, KUSPAW General Secretary Francis Wangara said the strike would proceed unless the government clears the outstanding payments or provides a firm, time-bound commitment before the Christmas break.
“We agreed with the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Treasury that workers’ dues would be paid by November and before Christmas. To date, there has been no communication or commitment from government,” Wangara said.
The unpaid amounts affect two groups of workers: those declared redundant following the transition of the mills to private management, and employees retained by new operators but still owed part of their benefits.
According to the union, workforce reductions carried out by private millers left several employees jobless and without their full entitlements.
On 15 December 2025, KUSPAW issued a formal demand for payment by 19 December, warning that failure to comply would lead to industrial action. Wangara said the union has not received any response.
“From Monday, workers should not report to work until their payments are made,” he said, calling on investors to respect workers’ constitutional right to strike.
While holding the government primarily responsible, Wangara noted that private millers could settle the dues and later seek reimbursement from the State.
“Whichever company is ready to pay can do so and ask the government to refund,” he said, adding that continued silence from authorities would worsen workers’ hardships.
For now, the union said it is pursuing engagement with the Ministry of Labour and transition structures overseeing the handover process, rather than taking legal action.
