The nationwide strike by sugar factory workers has been suspended following talks between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW).
The industrial action, which began on Thursday, January 29, had affected Muhoroni, Nzoia, Sony, and Chemelil sugar factories.
Workers were demanding payment of unpaid salary arrears and terminal benefits amounting to Ksh10.8 billion.
Following the negotiations, the ministry and the union agreed that workers would resume duty immediately while the payment processes are finalised.
To ease immediate hardship, the Ministry of Agriculture has pledged to release Ksh1 billion within the next two weeks.
The remaining arrears will be settled in phases through the Supplementary Budget and subsequent budgets, subject to parliamentary approval.
According to the ministry, the payments will cover salary arrears, redundancy dues, pensions, and other terminal benefits.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe acknowledged the difficulties faced by workers, and clarified the source of the obligations.
“We acknowledge the hardship faced by sugar workers and apologise for delays in meeting earlier commitments, which have been due to fiscal constraints.
“The outstanding arrears are obligations of the Government arising from the transition process and not liabilities of the private millers currently leasing and operating the factories. Industrial action targeting third parties only disrupts operations and delays sector recovery,” he said.
KUSPAW General Secretary Francis Wangara welcomed the Government’s renewed commitment, noting the plight of workers who had exited service.
“The union has suspended the strike in good faith as it monitors the release of funds and implementation of agreed milestones. We also raised concerns over delayed union deductions, employment terms in some factories, non-compliance with transition arrangements, and alleged intimidation of union officials, which have been noted for follow-up,” he said.
Kenya Sugar Board CEO Jude Chesire affirmed ongoing engagement with millers and unions to maintain stability and ensure factories remain operational.
Kagwe condemned acts of property destruction and unlawful conduct while reaffirming the right to peaceful demonstrations, directing security agencies to restore normalcy.
