Kenya Sugar Companies Workers Serve Strike Notice Demanding KSh 10.8 Billion Salary Arrears
More than 30,000 workers from four major sugar companies in Kenya have issued a formal strike notice, demanding immediate settlement of KSh 10.8 billion in accumulated salary arrears and other terminal benefits.
The notice comes from the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW), which accuses the government of repeatedly failing to honor payment commitments despite earlier promises.
Speaking in Kisumu, KUSPAW General Secretary Francis Wangara highlighted the government's obligation to clear the dues, even after the sugar mills were leased to private investors as part of ongoing industry reforms.
"The government had committed to release a partial payment of KSh 4 billion before December, including KSh 1.9 billion in salary arrears that was to be paid by the end of November," Wangara said. He added that the Ministry of Agriculture and senior officials have made "repeated assurances on the payments, none of which have been honoured."
The union emphasized that the government remains responsible for settling these longstanding arrears, regardless of the leasing arrangements with private operators.
Under the strike notice, workers are directed to down tools starting from next Thursday unless the outstanding amounts are fully paid and reflected in their accounts. The action threatens to disrupt operations across the affected sugar mills and could have significant ripple effects on Kenya's sugar industry, already grappling with reform challenges, leasing issues, and financial difficulties.
The four companies involved operate in key sugar-producing regions, and the dispute affects both current and former employees owed salaries, benefits, and terminal dues.
This development underscores persistent financial strains in the sector, where workers have long awaited resolution to chronic payment delays. The union has made it clear that no work will resume until the arrears are cleared, putting pressure on the government to act swiftly to avert a nationwide shutdown in sugar production.
The story has drawn widespread attention amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the sugar industry reforms and the protection of workers' rights during privatization efforts.
