KISUMU, Kenya – Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, has opposed the government’s plans to lease Chemelili and Muhoroni Sugar Factories, describing the move as “daylight robbery” that threatens the livelihoods of over 60,000 farmers in the region.
In a statement released on May 7, 2025, Nyong’o criticized the fast-tracking of the leasing process, alleging that it was being conducted without proper stakeholder consultation, and he accused the government of undermining the rights of farmers, workers, and local communities.
According to Nyong’o, the two sugar factories, which are critical to the economy of Kisumu County and the broader sugar belt region, are being leased to Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries Ltd. and West Valley Sugar Company without due regard for the constitutional requirement of public participation.
The leases are set for 30 years, a move that Nyong’o fears will turn the sugar industry into a monopoly while disempowering local communities.
“The government’s decision to lease these mills without engaging stakeholders is an assault on our communities. It is a clear disregard for the legal and economic principles that protect land and resources meant to benefit local populations,” said Nyong’o.
He emphasized that the government’s action violates the Constitution, particularly in terms of public participation, transparency, and land protection.
The controversy stems from the Ministry of Agriculture’s move in February 2025, which launched tenders for leasing the factories to private companies, bypassing necessary local involvement.
Nyong’o called the process a “criminal activity” aimed at grabbing public assets for the benefit of private monopolies.
Nyong’o also highlighted concerns surrounding the prime nucleus land of Miwani Sugar Mills, which is allegedly being transferred to Crossley Holdings Limited despite an ongoing court case.
This, he claims, is a further indication of the government’s disregard for legal proceedings and the rights of Kisumu residents.
Furthermore, Nyong’o criticized the National Land Commission (NLC) for deregistering title deeds for Miwani and Muhoroni lands without the involvement of the county government.
The move, he warned, could stoke ethnic tensions along the Nandi-Miwani and Kipsigis-Kuguta borders.
PRESS STATEMENTWidows of the Sugar Belt: The Leasing of the Sugar Mills in Kisumu County and the Sure Return to Abject Rural Poverty, Land Grab, and Ethnic Upheavals – Why the Lease Transition Must Be HaltedIn 2016, as the Senator of Kisumu County, together with my fallen
The Kisumu County Governor’s statement made it clear that the leasing process would have detrimental effects on the local economy, land rights, and social cohesion.
He noted that agriculture, a devolved function, would be undermined, as the leasing of public land for private interests undermines the Constitution and threatens the livelihoods of farmers and workers in the region.
Nyong’o has called for an immediate halt to the leasing process, urging legal action to suspend the deals and ensure the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including local residents, farmer organizations, and workers’ unions.
He has also called for broader civil society participation and public rallies to ensure transparency in the process.
“This is not just an economic issue; it’s a matter of land rights, community cohesion, and the future of Kisumu’s sugar industry. We will not allow the people of Kisumu to be robbed of their resources and their dignity,” Nyong’o concluded.
The leasing plans, Nyong’o warned, could set a dangerous precedent for the exploitation of public resources without due regard for the people they are meant to serve.
