ODM leader Raila Odinga has thrown his weight behind the ongoing reforms in Kenya’s sugar sector, assuring the Kenya Sugar Board of his full support and willingness to offer counsel whenever needed. The reforms, spearheaded by President William Ruto’s administration, aim to revive the country’s struggling sugar industry by leasing out four state-owned factories to private millers.
The leasing of Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony, and Muhoroni sugar companies for 30 years was formalised last Friday, marking a major shift in efforts to rejuvenate the sector. However, the move has sparked backlash from leaders in sugarcane-growing regions, who have criticized the government for a lack of stakeholder engagement.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, a close ally of Raila, called the leasing “daylight robbery and an economic coup d’état.” Other leaders, including DAP-K party boss Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, have vowed to oppose the move until constitutional requirements are fully addressed.
Despite the opposition, Raila on Wednesday emphasized his support for the reforms during a meeting with Kenya Sugar Board chair Nicholas Gumbo and board member Adan Sheikh in Nairobi. A statement from Raila’s team noted that the ODM leader, a long-time player in the sugar value chain, shared his insights and pledged to be available for guidance.
“He urged the board to remain focused on ensuring Kenya achieves sugar self-sufficiency while maximizing benefits to farmers and stakeholders,” the statement read.
In a related move, the government on Monday overhauled the leadership of the affected sugar firms, revoking the appointments of several board members, including Silas Jakakimba, a former Raila aide now aligned with the ruling UDA party.
Meanwhile, Kenya Sugar Board CEO Jude Chesire defended the leasing decision, stating the model puts farmers at the center and is designed to revive the sector for long-term sustainability.
As the debate rages on, opposition leaders continue to call for the suspension of the lease deals, citing legal and constitutional concerns, even as Raila signals his alignment with the broader reform agenda.
