Governor Nyong’o condemns mass layoffs at state-owned sugar mills

Kisumu County Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has strongly condemned the recent approval of mass redundancies in Kenya’s state-owned sugar mills, describing the move as “a recipe for chaos.”

In a statement, the Governor criticized what he called an “ill-advised and unilateral” decision by the Principal Secretary for Agriculture, warning that it undermines the government’s sugar sector revival program.

“The leasing of these mills was never meant to dismantle the workforce,” Nyong’o said.

“It was a strategy to breathe life into a struggling industry, enhance efficiency, and uplift the welfare of our people. Approving mass layoffs contradicts that promise and threatens to destabilize the sector we are striving to rebuild.”

The timing of the decision has further fueled backlash. Many sugar factory workers are still owed outstanding salaries and arrears, with some having endured years of financial hardship.

“To terminate their employment before settling these debts is not only unjust, but morally reprehensible," said the county chief.

Nyong’o also criticized the lack of consultation with county governments, whose economies are closely linked to the sugar industry.

He stressed that sugar is a devolved function, and decisions affecting thousands of livelihoods should not be made in Nairobi without engaging local leadership.

“This is a blatant disregard for the principles of cooperative governance enshrined in our Constitution,” he added.

In response, the Governor has called for three immediate actions: the withdrawal of the redundancy approval by the Principal Secretary for Agriculture; the urgent release of funds by the National Treasury to settle all outstanding arrears owed to sugar factory workers. A consultative meeting involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the Council of Governors, and workers’ representatives to chart a humane and sustainable path forward.

Nyong’o stressed that the sugar sector is not only an economic pillar but a lifeline for countless families. “Building it is like baking a national cake. Everyone deserves a fair slice,” he concluded, urging the national government to prioritize the welfare of workers while pursuing sector reforms.

The Governor’s statement comes amid mounting concerns from sugar-producing counties that abrupt layoffs could disrupt local economies, exacerbate unemployment, and slow the recovery of a sector vital to Kenya’s agricultural and industrial landscape.