Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has reassured employees of state-owned sugar mills that the government will clear all their outstanding payments despite ongoing fiscal pressures.
Speaking after a meeting with representatives from the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers, the Kenya Sugar Board, and officials from the four leased public sugar factories, Kagwe affirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of both workers and farmers in the sugar sector.
“The government is not refusing to pay,” Kagwe said, acknowledging the financial constraints currently facing the country. “We are working within the fiscal realities, but every shilling owed to workers will be settled. My office remains open, and we are fully committed to ensuring that all employees and farmers receive what they rightfully deserve.”
Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh was also present at the discussions, which focused on the welfare of workers and the ongoing reforms in the sugar industry.
Kagwe disclosed that the government has already initiated payments, with funds beginning to flow toward clearing long-standing arrears owed to sugarcane farmers. He emphasized that the revival of the sugar sector remains a priority area, pointing out that the leasing of state-owned mills is part of a larger strategy to boost productivity, competitiveness, and job creation.
He added that most workers from the affected factories will be retained by private firms now managing the mills, while those leaving the industry will benefit from retirement packages.
Kagwe reiterated that the government’s broader goal is to restore stability and confidence in the sugar sector ensuring that workers, farmers, and investors all benefit from a more efficient and sustainable industry.
