NAIROBI, Kenya – In a move to formalize the recent leasing of state-owned sugar factories, President William Ruto and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe have revoked the appointments of board chairpersons and members at Chemelil, Nzoia, and South Nyanza (Sony) sugar companies.
The decision follows the handover of four government-owned sugar mills—Chemelil, Nzoia, Sony, and Muhoroni—to private firms in a bid to revive Kenya’s long-troubled sugar sector.
Under the new 30-year lease agreements, the factories are now operated by private firms and no longer qualify as public entities, prompting the exit of government-appointed boards.
“These factories are no longer public entities for the lease duration, and therefore board members appointed by the government have to vacate office,” CS Kagwe said on Friday.
A gazette notice dated May 12, 2025, confirmed the revocation of board chairpersons:
- Eng. John Nyambok at Chemelil Sugar,
- Jared Odhiambo Opiyo at Sony Sugar, and
- Alfred Khang’ati at Nzoia Sugar Company.
CS Kagwe also dismissed several board members from the three companies, including prominent figures such as Silas Jakakimba, a UDA official from Homa Bay who had been serving on the Sony Sugar board.
Others removed include:
- Sony Sugar: Catherine Wanjala Wangamati
- Chemelil Sugar: Samwel Ogola Bonyo, Mary Simat, Henry Ntongai Mitu, David Kiplagat Kitur, Enricah Apiyo Dulo, John Kipyegon Chesiror
- Nzoia Sugar: Elizabeth Mudukiza Iminza, Patrice Chumba, Millicent Anyango Abudho, Benson Madebe Chahasi, Bonface Okhiya Otsiula, Okwakau Ino Jonathan, and Caroline Chematui Temoi
“These changes are in line with the government’s strategic decision to hand over operations of these mills to private entities for a 30-year period,” Kagwe said.
The new operators include:
- West Kenya Sugar Company (Nzoia Sugar)
- Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries (Chemelil)
- Busia Sugar Industry Ltd (Sony Sugar)
- West Valley Sugar Company (Muhoroni)
The leasing model is part of a broader reform agenda intended to inject private-sector efficiency into state-owned enterprises, enhance farmer payments, and stabilise the sugar industry, which has struggled with mismanagement and mounting debts for years.
