The nationwide strike by sugar factory workers has been called off following consultations between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW).
The strike, which began on Thursday, January 29, disrupted operations at Muhoroni, Nzoia, Sony and Chemelil sugar factories, as workers protested unpaid salary arrears and terminal benefits totalling Ksh10.8 billion.
After negotiations, the ministry and the union agreed that workers would return to work immediately as arrangements to settle the outstanding payments are finalised.
Ksh10.8B Agreement Ends Sugar Workers’ Strike. Photo: Courtesy.
To address urgent needs, the Ministry of Agriculture committed to releasing Ksh1 billion within the next two weeks.
The remaining arrears will be settled in phases through the Supplementary Budget and future budgets, subject to parliamentary approval.
The Ministry of Agriculture said the payments will cover salary arrears, redundancy dues, pensions and other terminal benefits.
According to CS Mutahi Kagwe, the arrears are government obligations arising from the transition process and not liabilities of the private millers, noting that industrial action against third parties disrupts operations and delays sector recovery.
KUSPAW General Secretary Francis Wangara welcomed the government’s renewed commitment, saying the strike was suspended in good faith as the union monitors fund disbursement and implementation of agreed timelines, while flagging pending concerns for follow-up.
Kenya Sugar Board CEO Jude Chesire also noted that the board continues to engage millers and unions to ensure stability and keep factories operational.
