Wamuzi News Ke
A major tremor has rocked Kenya’s sugar sector the government is now ready to tear apart leases for four major state-owned sugar factories if private investors fail to meet strict demands!
In a shocking twist, authorities have declared that the lifeline thrown to the failing sugar industry could be snatched back without hesitation.
The Kenya Sugar Board has dropped a bombshell: Investors behind Nzoia, Chemilil, Sony, and Muhoroni sugar factories leased out for a whopping 30 years must either shape up or ship out.
These mills were handed to West Kenya Sugar Company, Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries, Busia Sugar Industry, and West Valley Sugar Company. Now, their future hangs by a thread.
Kenya Sugar Board CEO Jude Chesire came out guns blazing during a heated meeting in Nairobi, declaring that the entire leasing deal was meant to protect and empower farmers not enrich private players.
“Let me be clear: if these investors do not modernize the mills, boost sugarcane farming, and ensure weekly payouts to farmers, the leases will be revoked.
No second chances,” Chesire warned, his voice ringing with urgency.He revealed that investors are expected to channel massive capital into the revival of the mills a commitment not to be taken lightly.
Any returns from lease and concession fees must flow directly to the farmers, with annual bonuses tied to their cane supply.“Farmers come first, not profit-hungry businessmen,” he emphasized.
“If you can’t deliver, you’re out. These factories will go to those who truly care about our people.”But the drama didn’t stop there the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Factory has ignited a firestorm of protests across Western Kenya.
Fury erupted as top leaders, including DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and politician Cleophas Malala, led hundreds in the streets, rallying with sugarcane farmers and locals who are outright rejecting the deal.
“This is illegal!” shouted Natembeya, citing a court order from April 23 that put the brakes on handing Nzoia Sugar to tycoon Jaswant Rai. “This factory supports over 45,000 farmers and millions more indirectly we can’t allow a few people to hijack our economic heart!”
Malala added fuel to the fire, calling the leasing a direct threat to the region’s stability and survival.
As protests swell and investor tension rises, one thing is clear Kenya’s sugar story is no longer just about sweet deals. It’s about power, justice, and the people’s fight to reclaim what’s theirs.
