Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has ordered the immediate closure of all sugarcane weighbridges operating outside their designated catchment zones. The directive aims to restore order in the sugar industry by curbing disruptions in cane zoning and harvesting caused by unauthorized weighbridge activities.
Speaking during a meeting with the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers, the Kenya Sugar Board, and other stakeholders on Tuesday, November 4, Kagwe emphasized that only the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Sugar Board will have the authority to approve the operation of weighbridges in sugarcane zones.
“To safeguard farmers and maintain order in the sector, only the CEO of the Kenya Sugar Board may authorise weighbridge operations,” the Ministry of Agriculture stated. Kagwe warned that unauthorized weighbridges will not be tolerated, and those found operating outside their catchment areas will be shut down immediately.
The CS explained that closing illegal weighbridges is part of a broader government strategy to rebuild confidence in the sugar sector, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and promote transparency across the value chain.
Addressing the issue of arrears owed to farmers and workers in public sugar factories undergoing leasing to private investors, Kagwe assured stakeholders that the government has already initiated a payment plan.
“We are not refusing to pay. We are working within fiscal realities, but every shilling due will be honoured. This office remains open and fully committed to ensuring workers and farmers receive what they are owed,” Kagwe said.
He added that most workers in public sugar mills will either be absorbed by the new private operators or exit through retirement. Kagwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring investors honour their lease agreements and revamp the factories for full-scale operations.
