Kenya sugar factory workers call off nationwide strike after government pledges arrears payment 

KENYA – Kenya sugar factory workers have called off a nationwide strike following high-level negotiations between the government and the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW), paving the way for the resumption of operations as plans to settle long-standing arrears advance. 

The industrial action, which began on January 29, disrupted operations at Muhoroni, Nzoia, Sony and Chemelil sugar factories.  

Workers downed their tools over unpaid salary arrears and terminal benefits amounting to KSh10.8 billion (US$84 million), owed to both serving and former employees. 

The breakthrough agreement was reached during a meeting held at Kilimo House and chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe. The talks were attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Kenya Sugar Board, the Sugar Transition Committee and KUSPAW. 

Under the agreement, workers committed to immediately suspend the strike, while the government pledged to release Kes1 billion (US$7.8 million), within the next two weeks to ease financial hardship among affected workers.  

The balance of the arrears will be settled through the Supplementary Budget and subsequent national budgets, subject to approval by Parliament. 

“As a government, we accept responsibility for these debts. The arrears are owed by the government, not private millers,” Kagwe said. “We will push Parliament hard to resolve this matter conclusively through the Supplementary Budget so that the sugar sector is stabilised once and for all.” 

Kagwe stressed that private millers currently leasing and operating the affected factories are not responsible for the historical arrears. He warned that directing industrial action at private operators only disrupts production and prolongs hardship for workers. 

The Cabinet Secretary also appealed to lawmakers, particularly those representing sugar-growing regions, to support and fast-track the required budgetary allocations. He cautioned that continued industrial action against private lessees would not resolve obligations owed by the state. 

KUSPAW General Secretary Francis Wangara welcomed the renewed commitment from the government but said the union would closely monitor implementation of the agreed timelines. 

“We have agreed to suspend the strike in good faith as we monitor the release of funds and implementation of agreed milestones,” Wangara said. “Workers have suffered long enough, and this matter must now be resolved conclusively.” 

The union also raised concerns over delayed remittance of union deductions, poor employment terms in some factories, alleged intimidation of union officials and non-compliance with transition agreements. These issues were flagged for urgent follow-up. 

The Ministry of Agriculture, the Kenya Sugar Board, the National Treasury and KUSPAW said they will maintain close coordination to track disbursements, ensure compliance by millers and resolve outstanding labour issues, as security agencies work to restore normal operations in affected regions. 

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