KISUMU, Kenya — More than 30,000 workers employed by four state-owned sugar companies have issued a strike notice over unpaid salaries and benefits totalling Sh10.8 billion, escalating pressure on the government amid ongoing reforms in the sugar sector.
The Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) said the industrial action will take effect from Thursday next week, after the government failed to honour commitments to clear part of the arrears.
KUSPAW General Secretary Francis Wangara said the government had pledged to release Sh4 billion before December, including Sh1.9 billion in salary arrears that was supposed to be paid by the end of November.
“Despite multiple assurances, none of the promised payments have been made,” Wangara said while addressing the media in Kisumu.
He maintained that the government remains legally and morally obligated to settle the workers’ dues, even after the sugar mills were leased to private investors under the ongoing reform programme.
“The leasing of the mills does not absolve the government of its responsibility. These arrears were accumulated before the handover, and workers must be paid,” Wangara said.
The union accused the Ministry of Agriculture and senior government officials of repeatedly issuing assurances that have not been honoured, leaving workers in financial distress.
KUSPAW has now directed workers in all four sugar companies to down their tools until the outstanding salaries and benefits are fully paid and reflected in their bank accounts.
The looming strike threatens to disrupt sugar production and further strain an industry already grappling with reforms, low output and financial challenges.
