A Nationwide sugar industry strike is officially underway as of Thursday, January 29, 2026, involving workers from Nzoia Sugar Company and three other major state-owned mills.Â
The Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) issued the strike notice following the government’s failure to settle Ksh 10.8 billion in accumulated salary arrears and benefits.Â
In addition to Nzoia, workers at Chemelil, Sony, and Muhoroni sugar companies have also downed their tools.
Primary Demand: Immediate payment of outstanding wages, some of which have been delayed for months despite multiple government promises of partial releases.
The union maintains that salary and benefit agreements (CBAs) remain binding even after the leasing of the mills to private investors like West Kenya Sugar Company.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula recently assured stakeholders that farmers and workers would see payments within “7 to 10 days” to help stabilize the region’s economy.
By Anthony Solly
