Kenya Sugar Board Chairperson Nicholas Gumbo says 80% of the current workforce in public sugar mills that are being leased, will be absorbed by private millers.
Gumbo says the remaining 20%, mostly staff due for retirement but still serving due to lack of exit packages, will be gradually phased out in line with retirement benefits settlements.
He is assuring the more than 5,000 sugarcane workers in public sugar mills that the leasing process will create new opportunities.
Gumbo says the modernization and full maintenance of Chemelil, Sony, Muhoroni and Nzoia sugar factories will raise efficiency.
“Once these mills run at full capacity, sugar production is expected to double to 1.6 million tonnes annually, positioning Kenya as a potential net exporter of sugar,” he said.
Gumbo’s remarks come after worker unrest, with unions warning against sidelining employees and threatening industrial action if redundancy notices take effect on October 31, 2025.
Most workers are also demanding the settlement of Ksh 5 billion in salary and allowance arrears before the leasing process.