Sugar workers suspend strike after Govt, Union agree on arrears payment process

The sugar factory workers has suspended their nationwide strike following high-level talks held between the Government and the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW), chaired by CS Mutahi Kagwe.

The industrial action, which began on January 29,  2026 and affected Muhoroni, Nzoia, Sony and Chemelil sugar factories, was triggered by unpaid salary arrears and terminal benefits amounting to Ksh10.8Billion.

During the meeting, the government and the union agreed that workers would resume duty immediately as payment processes are finalised.

According to the agreement, the government will release Ksh1Billion within the next two weeks, with the remaining arrears to be settled in phases through the Supplementary Budget and subsequent budgets, subject to parliamentary approval to ease immediate hardship.

The payments will cover salary arrears, redundancy dues, pensions and other terminal benefits.

CS Kagwe acknowledged the hardship faced by workers and apologised for delays in meeting earlier commitments, attributing them to fiscal constraints.

He reaffirmed that 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, cautioning against industrial action targeting third parties as it only disrupts operations and delays sector recovery.

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KUSPAW General Secretary Francis Wangara welcomed the renewed government commitment, noting that many workers, especially those who exited service, are facing severe hardship.

He said the union had suspended the strike in good faith as it monitors the release of funds and implementation of agreed milestones, while also raising concerns over delayed union deductions, employment terms in some factories, non-compliance with transition arrangements and alleged intimidation of union officials, which were noted for follow-up.

Kenya Sugar Board CEO Jude Chesire affirmed continued engagement with millers and unions to maintain stability and ensure factories remain operational.

The CS condemned destruction of property and unlawful acts while reaffirming the right to peaceful demonstrations, directing security agencies to restore normalcy.

He affirmed that the State Department for Agriculture, The National Treasury and Economic Planning, Kenya Sugar Board and KUSPAW will continue working closely to track disbursements and resolve outstanding labour issues.

By Juma Ndigo

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