The Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW)Secretary-General Francis Wangara. Faith Matete
The Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) has suspended a nationwide strike that was set to involve sugar sector workers, following fresh engagements with the government, even as it insisted that workers are still owed Sh10.8 billion in unpaid salaries and benefits.
KUSPAW Secretary-General Francis Wangara said the union halted the industrial action after receiving assurances from the Ministry of Agriculture that part of the outstanding arrears would be released before the Christmas holidays.
The union had issued a strike notice due to take effect on Monday but left room for dialogue if the government demonstrated goodwill in addressing workers’ demands, Wangara said while addressing journalists in Kisumu.
He said union officials held talks with Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Rono on Sunday in Eldoret, during which the PS committed to engage the National Treasury to fast-track the release of funds to cushion affected workers.
According to Wangara, the government has approved a Sh1 billion partial payment, though the union is yet to receive confirmation on the exact date the funds will be disbursed.
“It would be unfortunate for workers to go into the Christmas period without receiving any portion of their salary arrears or benefits,” he said, warning that failure to honour the pledge would further weaken workers’ trust in the government.
The union further stated that the sugar workers are collectively owed Sh10.8 billion in accumulated salary arrears and terminal benefits, with the Sh1 billion expected to cover only a small portion of the total debt.
Wangara added that the Agriculture Ministry had also indicated plans to seek an additional Sh4 billion from January to further reduce the arrears, with a commitment that all outstanding payments would be settled by June 30 next year.
He said priority would be given to workers who have exited service, so they can receive their full terminal benefits, while employees who have already been absorbed and placed on the payroll would continue earning salaries as negotiations over the remaining dues continue.
However, Wangara cautioned that the union would review its position if the promised funds are not released, warning of possible action when workers return after the New Year.
“If the commitments are not honoured, it will be a serious setback. When the year begins, we will know how to deal with those who are failing workers,” he said.
The planned strike had sparked concerns over possible disruptions across the sugar belt, where workers at leased state-owned mills have faced prolonged salary delays and uncertainty amid ongoing sector reforms.
The industrial action was expected to paralyse operations at Muhoroni, Chemelil, Nzoia and Sony sugar factories, which were recently leased to private investors as part of efforts to revive production, improve efficiency and stem losses.
Under the leasing arrangements, the government is expected to stabilise operations while clearing legacy debts, including workers’ salary arrears and terminal benefits.