CS Kagwe Condemns Strike-Related Destruction as Sugar Workers’ Industrial Action Is Suspended
The Government believes that ongoing collaboration between parties will help stop disputes from happening again which will ensure continuous growth in the sugar industry.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has criticized incidents of property destruction and other unlawful acts that occurred during the recent nationwide strike by sugar factory workers, even as he emphasized that the right to peaceful protest must be respected.
CS Kagwe declared in his public statement that workers hold the right to peaceful demonstration and lawful expression of their complaints which must be protected. He also directed security agencies to take the necessary steps to restore calm and ensure law and order in affected areas.
The strike which began on 29 January 2026 caused major sugar factories including Muhoroni Nzoia Sony and Chemelil to halt their operations. Workers had gone on strike over unpaid salary arrears and terminal benefits totaling Sh10.8 billion which raised concerns about the welfare of employees in the sugar sector.
The Government and Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers KUSPAW reached an agreement which led to the suspension of the industrial action. The talks which CS Kagwe chaired brought together union representatives and government officials to find a way forward on the outstanding payments.
The agreement reached by the parties requires workers to return to their jobs while the government completes its process of paying the pending debts. The two parties showed dedication to reaching a solution through talks and financial planning sessions.
The Government will distribute Sh1 billion to assist workers in financial difficulty which will take place during the upcoming two weeks. The funds will provide urgent assistance to workers who have faced delays in receiving their payments.
Parliament will need to approve the supplementary budget and future budget allocations which will be used to settle the remaining arrears. The phased payment system will enable organizations to settle their obligations through a transparent process which allows for gradual payments.
CS Kagwe reiterated the Government’s commitment to addressing workers’ concerns while maintaining stability in the sugar industry. He described the dispute resolution process as essential for both workers and the entire agricultural sector which relies on sugar factories to operate smoothly.
The suspension of the strike has shifted focus toward executing the established payment schedule and bringing back regular functioning in the impacted plants. The Government believes that ongoing collaboration between parties will help stop disputes from happening again which will ensure continuous growth in the sugar industry.
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