The standoff in the sugar industry has continued to escalate after Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong'o confronted the Ministry of Agriculture over the controversial approval of mass redundancy notices.
This is after the Ministry approved redundancy letters to four State-owned sugar mills, directing that all employees be laid off. The factories include Chemelil, Muhoroni, Sony, and Nzoia.
In an official statement dated August 22, Governor Nyong’o demanded the immediate withdrawal of the redundancy notices issued to thousands of workers, warning that the move threatens to destabilise the entire sector.
‘’I am shocked and dismayed by the unilateral and ill-advised approval granted by the Principal Secretary for Agriculture for mass redundancies at our state-owned sugar factories. This decision is a direct betrayal of the spirit and intent of the sugar sector revival program,’’ the statement read in part.
‘’Therefore, I urge the following immediate actions: The Principal Secretary for Agriculture to immediately withdraw this callous redundancy approval,’’ the statement continued.
The Ministry of Agriculture approved redundancy notices to the four sugar mills, throwing off thousands of employees who have been depending on the factories for year.
Leasing to Private Owners
In the redundancy notices, the companies revealed that this followed the government’s decision to lease the company to private owners.
However, Nyong’o revealed that this was not part of the original leasing plan, which aimed to revive the sector, enhance efficiency and improve the welfare of all those involved.
‘’The goal was to create a sustainable future, not to dismantle the existing workforce. This approval for mass layoffs fundamentally contradicts that promise and threatens to destabilize the very sector we are trying to save, and is a recipe for chaos,’’ Nyong’o said.
Also Read: Job Loss Fears as State Firm Issues Redundancy Notice
The governor took issue with the timing of the notices, revealing that he was dismayed that the government issued them at a time when they were supposed to be settling the employees' dues.
‘’What is more appalling is the timing of this decision. It is a matter of public record that the national government has a long-standing commitment to pay the outstanding dues and arrears owed to these long-suffering workers. To approve their termination before this solemn debt has been settled is not only unjust but morally reprehensible. It adds a grave insult to an already painful injury,’’ the statement continued.
Apart from withdrawing the notices, Ny’ong’o also called on the National Treasury to release the funds to pay all outstanding arrears owed to sugar factory workers without further delay.
He also requested a consultative meeting between all relevant stakeholders to plan a humane way forward.
