The County Government of Kisumu has strongly condemned the leasing of Chemelil and Muhoroni sugar factories, calling it an unjust process that threatens local farmers, land ownership, and economic stability.
In a press statement issued on May 7, 2025, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o expressed deep concern over what he termed a “daylight robbery” of public assets. The statement highlights alleged lack of stakeholder involvement, transparency issues, and the potential for monopolistic control in Western Kenya’s sugar belt.
Prof. Nyong’o recalled a 2016 legal battle alongside the late Jakoyo Midiwo, which successfully halted the privatization of five sugar mills. However, the governor now fears that the leasing of these factories has been rushed, compromising public interests.
According to recent developments, Chemelil Sugar Factory has been leased to Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries Ltd for 30 years, despite the company being only 16 years old.
Muhoroni Sugar Company, a 62-year-old mill with a capacity of 2,200 tonnes per day, has been handed to Kipchimchim Group, operators of West Valley Sugar Company, which has been in operation for just 17 months.
The prime nucleus land of Miwani Sugar Mills is reportedly being transferred to Crossley Holdings Limited through opaque dealings, despite ongoing court litigation.
The governor warned that these actions pose a serious risk to over 60,000 farmers, 15,000 hectares of farmland, learning institutions, churches, and residential areas.
Citing constitutional provisions, Prof. Nyong’o underscored that agriculture is a devolved function under Kenya’s Constitution, requiring input from county governments. He condemned the leasing process, stating that it undermines local governance and risks ethnic tensions in border regions.
Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the alleged deregistration of title deeds for Miwani and Muhoroni lands without consultation with Kisumu County. Farmers fear that handing the factories to private firms could lead to monopolistic exploitation.
The Kisumu County Government has made several demands, including:The immediate halt of the leasing process until constitutional dictates are met. That is Comprehensive stakeholder engagement, including civil society, farmer groups, and county officials.
He promised to do Community mobilization to resist the transition.
Governor Nyong’o urged residents to reject what he described as a scheme that disregards the voices of farmers, workers, and communities.
“This ill-conceived leasing agenda is not just illegal; it is a threat to land rights, community cohesion, and the future of the sugar industry in Kisumu,” he stated.
With the leasing process nearing completion, tensions have heightened as affected communities demand answers. As legal and public resistance builds, the fate of Kisumu’s sugar mills remains uncertain.
Written by Laban Shikokoti.
