President Ruto, CS Kagwe dismiss board chairs, members of four sugar firms
The move comes just days after the government officially transferred management of the factories.
President William Ruto and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe have dismissed board chairs and members of four major sugar factories following the handover of the companies to private firms.
The move comes just days after the government officially transferred management of the factories through a 30-year lease agreement aimed at reviving the struggling sugar sector.
According to a gazette notice dated May 12, the top leadership of Chemelil, Nzoia, Sony, and Muhoroni sugar companies were shown the door.
Among those affected is John Nyambok, who was chair of the Chemelil Sugar board. Alfred Khang’ati, who headed the Nzoia Sugar board, and Jared Odhiambo Opiyo, who led the South Nyanza (Sony) Sugar board, were also removed from office.
The government’s decision follows the recent leasing of the state-owned factories to private operators.
Since these firms will now be managed independently for three decades, the current boards were deemed redundant and their appointments revoked.
At South Nyanza Sugar Company, Silas Jakakimba, a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) official in Homa Bay, was among those affected.
His appointment was canceled by Kagwe with effect from May 12, 2025.
Other members who lost their positions include Mary Akoth Were, Laura Abishag Matiko, Catherine Wangamati, Kipkoech Kirui, John Billy Momanyi, and Douglas Kailanya.
Chemelil Sugar Company also saw a complete board shake-up, with Samwel Ogola Bonyo, Mary Simat, Henry Ntongai Mitu, David Kiplagat Kitur, Enricah Apiyo Dulo, and John Kipyegon Chesiror losing their roles.
In the case of Nzoia Sugar Company, the board members who have been relieved of their duties include Elizabeth Mudukiza Iminza, Patrice Chumba, Millicent Anyango Abudho, Benson Madebe Chahasi, Caroline Chematui Temoi, Boniface Okhiya Otsiula, and Okwakau Ino Jonathan.
The handover of the factories marks a major policy shift in Kenya’s sugar industry.
Kagwe confirmed on Friday that the government had completed the leasing process, paving the way for private millers to begin operations.
As part of the new structure, West Kenya Sugar Company will manage the operations of Nzoia Sugar.
Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries will take over Chemelil, Busia Sugar Industry Ltd will run Sony Sugar, and West Valley Sugar Company has been given charge of Muhoroni.
