Workers at Chemelil Sugar Factory in Kisumu County have staged a protest, demanding the payment of their outstanding wages amounting to over one billion Kenyan shillings. The workers accuse the government of privatizing the factory without consulting them, leaving their financial future uncertain.
Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the workers vowed not to vacate the factory premises until their dues are cleared. They also declared that they would not allow new ownership to take over unless their grievances were addressed.
“We have worked tirelessly to keep this factory running, but now our livelihoods are at risk. The government must pay us immediately, or we will not move from here,” said one of the protesting workers.
The fate of the workers remains unclear, as concerns mount over how the privatization process will affect their jobs. Many fear being left unemployed and financially unstable if their demands go unmet.
Government officials are yet to issue a statement regarding the workers’ concerns. Meanwhile, industry analysts warn that continued unrest could disrupt sugar production and negatively impact the local economy.
The Chemelil Sugar Factory, a key employer in the region, has faced financial challenges in recent years, raising questions about its sustainability and the government’s role in managing industrial transitions.
Workers remain firm in their stance, urging swift intervention to resolve the crisis before tensions escalate further. Their call comes two days after Members of Parliament from Kisumu, met to discuss the fate of sugar industry and how the leasing deal was going to affect the lively hood of people in Nyanza, including sugar factory workers and farmers.
By Laban Shikokoti
