The national government, Migori County, and stakeholders in the sugar industry have been encouraged to hold urgent dialogue to address the looming massive layoffs at South Nyanza Sugar Company Limited (Sony Sugar).
The majority of employees at the Migori-based sugar mill are set to lose their jobs this October following the redundancy circular issued in August 2025. The company notified employees of the decision in a letter signed by Managing Director, Marine Dima, with layoffs set to take effect from October 31, 2025.
Speaking at her office in Migori town, sugar cane businesswoman and farmer Drisca Oluoch urged stakeholders to find amicable solutions and help affected employees integrate into their new social and economic lives.
Even though Sony Sugar is now under the ownership of Busia Sugar Industries Limited, Oluoch insisted that all stakeholders should receive constructive guidance on the way forward to protect workers’ welfare.
She emphasized that the company should demonstrate empathy toward soon-to-be-affected employees, noting that many have devoted their entire working lives to building the factory’s reputation.
“Change is part of life, especially under new management, but it should not be used to victimize employees who have tirelessly worked to make the factory what it is today,” Oluoch said.
She warned that sudden layoffs without proper social reintegration programs could trigger mental health challenges, including depression, hypertension, and other stress-related conditions.
In addition, Oluoch called for expedited settlement of all pending payments owed to employees, sugarcane farmers, and business partners.
“If employees are to be laid off, then the management of Sony Sugar should tell them when they will be paid to help them plan for their predicaments,” she stressed.
While the redundancy notice assures employees of receiving their entitlements under Section 40 of the Employment Act and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), Oluoch noted this provides little comfort to workers facing uncertain futures.
John Otieno, a businessman and sugar farmer, also urged the new management—now operating as the New South Nyanza Sugar Company Limited (Sony)—to reassess the redundancy plan with the aim of retaining as many employees as possible.
“Yes, we want to cut costs, generate profits, and restore the sugar mill to its lost glory, but we should also show empathy to those who have dedicated their lives to serving this great company,” Otieno said.
He further explained that when Sony Sugar was established in 1979, many residents of Awendo Sub-County gave up their ancestral land to pave way for the company’s nuclear sugarcane plantation.
“For such people, being laid off will not only cause economic and psychological pain but also make it seem like the sacrifices of their forefathers were all in vain,” he noted.
Otieno added that most of the affected employees are family breadwinners, and their dismissal may increase social challenges in the region, including rising crime rates.
“A lot of these employees have people who depend on them either directly or indirectly, and cutting short their employment will not only devastate families but also spark a chain reaction of negative impacts on surrounding communities,” Otieno said.
Stakeholders now want dialogue between the government, county leadership, and the private investor to ensure employees’ rights are safeguarded and social impacts of the layoffs are mitigated.
by Makokha Khaoya
