The nationwide strike by sugar factory workers has been suspended following high-level talks between the Government and the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW), chaired by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe.
The industrial action, which began on 29 January 2026 and affected the Muhoroni, Nzoia, Sony and Chemelil sugar factories, was triggered by unpaid salary arrears and terminal benefits amounting to Sh10.8 billion.
During the meeting, the Government and the union agreed that workers would resume duty immediately as payment processes are finalised.
To ease immediate hardship, the Government will release Sh1 billion within the next two weeks, with the remaining arrears being settled in phases through the supplementary budget and subsequent budgets, which are subject to Parliamentary approval.
The payments will cover salary arrears, redundancy dues, pensions and other terminal benefits.
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.
KUSPAW General Secretary Francis Wangara welcomed the renewed Government commitment, noting that many workers, especially those who exited service, are facing severe hardships.
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.
Meanwhile, CS Kagwe condemned destruction of property and unlawful acts while reaffirming the right to peaceful demonstrations, directing security agencies to restore normalcy.
“The State Department for Agriculture, The National Treasury and Economic Planning, the Kenya Sugar Board and KUSPAW will continue working closely to track disbursements and resolve outstanding labour issues,” Kagwe added.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
