More than 30,000 employees working for four major sugar firms have issued a strike notice after months of failed government promises to settle outstanding salary arrears and benefits totaling KSh10.8 billion, according to the local news report.
The notice was announced by Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) General Secretary Francis Wangara, who said repeated assurances from government officials had not translated into actual payments, worsening the workers’ financial situation. He said employees will stop work next Thursday if the arrears are not paid and reflected in their bank accounts.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kisumu, Wangara said the government had promised to release a partial payment of KSh4 billion before December, including KSh1.9 billion in salary arrears due by the end of November, but no funds had been disbursed.
The strike threat comes amid prolonged unrest in the sugar sector, which has faced persistent financial challenges, restructuring efforts and unpaid wages. Workers say they have endured extended periods without pay despite repeated commitments from authorities that outstanding dues would be settled gradually.
As part of a government-led reform programme, four state-owned sugar factories — Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony and Muhoroni — were leased to private investors in 2025 in a bid to revive the industry and attract fresh capital.
The reform plan provided for the government to clear salary arrears and benefits owed to workers and farmers before and during the transition. However, unions and analysts say these obligations have not been fully fulfilled.
Parliamentary records indicate that while some arrears have been paid, large balances remain outstanding and scheduled instalments have fallen behind, heightening tensions among workers. Kenya’s sugar industry has historically struggled with inefficiencies, ageing equipment, weak supply chain management and chronic financial difficulties within its mills.
