Nairobi: Sugar factory workers have called off a nationwide strike following high-level talks between the Government and the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW).
The agreement was reached on Monday during a meeting at Kilimo House chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe.
Senior officials, including Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh, Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) CEO Jude Chesire, Sugar Transition Committee Chair Harun Khator, and KUSPAW leaders led by General Secretary Francis Wangara, attended the talks.
The strike, which began on January 29, had affected workers at Muhoroni, Nzoia, Sony, and Chemelil Sugar Factories. Workers were demanding payment of Sh10.8 billion in unpaid salary arrears and terminal benefits owed to current and former employees.
Under the agreement, workers will return to duty immediately while the Government clears the arrears. An initial Sh1 billion will be disbursed within two weeks to assist employees facing urgent financial pressure, with the remainder paid in stages through the Supplementary Budget and future allocations, subject to parliamentary approval.
CS Kagwe acknowledged the hardships endured by workers and apologized for delays, explaining that the arrears stem from government obligations during the sector’s transition and are not the responsibility of private millers currently operating the factories.
He warned that strikes targeting third parties disrupt production, prolong worker suffering, and hinder sector recovery. Kagwe also called on Members of Parliament from sugar-growing regions to expedite funding approvals, while stressing that government liabilities must be addressed through formal budget processes.
Welcoming the agreement, KUSPAW General Secretary Francis Wangara highlighted the difficulties faced by former employees, including inadequate housing, limited healthcare, and lack of basic support.
“We are suspending the strike in good faith while monitoring the release of funds and the implementation of agreed milestones. Workers have endured enough, and this issue must be resolved fully,” Wangara said.
The union also raised issues regarding delayed union deduction remittances, poor employment terms in some factories, non-compliance with transition guidelines, and alleged intimidation of union officials. These matters will be closely followed up with millers and investors.
KSB CEO Jude Chesire urged all stakeholders to maintain stability so that factories can resume operations and generate revenue for the sector. CS Kagwe condemned acts of property destruction and intimidation, while affirming that peaceful protests remain protected under the law.
