Sugarcane farmers in Migori County are demanding the immediate release of Kshs 317 million in delayed payments from South Nyanza Sugar Company (Sony Sugar). The call comes amid growing tension following the recent handover of the factory’s operations to a private investor under a 30-year lease arrangement.
The handover took place last week at the company’s premises in Awendo, Migori County. The transition has triggered protests from sugarcane farmers, who argue that their longstanding dues must be cleared before full control is transferred to the new investor. The farmers, under the umbrella of the Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, issued a notice threatening to suspend cane deliveries unless the company settles the debt in full.
This demand was at the center of a stakeholders’ meeting convened at Sony Sugar’s premises. During the meeting, company representatives and federation officials deliberated on the financial crisis affecting the over 2,000 farmers linked to the factory. The growers expressed concern over unpaid deliveries dating back to November 2024, when the factory underwent a temporary shutdown for maintenance.
The federation stressed that payments must be settled as a condition for continued supply of raw cane. They fear that the handover to a private operator without clearing the dues may sideline the interests of local farmers and worsen the financial challenges they already face.
The leadership of the farmers’ federation reiterated their position through a public statement delivered in Migori town. They insisted that failure to clear the outstanding Kshs 317 million would force them to organize a boycott and halt all cane deliveries to the factory. This, they argued, is a last resort measure to protect their livelihoods.
Despite these tensions, the company has made initial steps toward settling the arrears. During the latest dialogue, Sony Sugar management informed the federation that it had allocated Kshs 10 million to initiate the payment process. According to company officials, further funds are being sourced to ensure that payments are made consistently and without disruption.
This initial move to release part of the owed money has somewhat eased tensions. Farmer representatives acknowledged the gesture, viewing it as a sign of goodwill, though they emphasized that the full amount must still be paid. They urged Sony Sugar’s management to prioritize the farmers’ payments as part of the transition plan under the new investor.
The chairperson of the Federation of Sugarcane Growers, Sony branch, called for calm and encouraged farmers to continue delivering sugarcane to the factory. He noted that the operational status of the factory remains intact and that management has shown commitment to settling the debt in phases.
He appealed for patience, underlining that while the initial amount released is far from sufficient, it reflects a willingness by the company to address the issue. He assured farmers that the federation would maintain pressure on the company until the full Kshs 317 million is paid.
The situation remains delicate as farmers weigh their options. While some advocate for continued engagement, others push for more aggressive action. Nonetheless, the ongoing dialogue offers a glimmer of hope that a full resolution may be reached, provided that the company fulfills its promises promptly.
