Several top officials have lost their jobs following President William Ruto and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe’s decision to revoke the appointments of board chairs and members of four state-owned sugar companies. The move follows the recent leasing of these factories to private investors in a bid to revive the struggling sugar sector.
In a Gazette Notice dated May 12, the government announced the revocation of appointments for the boards of Nzoia, Chemelil, South Nyanza (Sony), and Muhoroni sugar companies. These factories have been leased out to private millers under a 30-year agreement, effectively transferring operational control from the state to the lessees.
The affected board chairs include John Nyambok of Chemelil Sugar Company, Alfred Khang’ati of Nzoia Sugar Company, and Jared Odhiambo Opiyo of South Nyanza Sugar Company. Their removal marks a significant reshuffle within the state-linked sugar industry.
Among the board members relieved of their duties is Silas Jakakimba, a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) official from Homa Bay, who served as a board member at South Nyanza Sugar Company. His dismissal, alongside those of Mary Akoth Were, Laura Abishag Matiko, Catherine Wangamati, Kipkoech Kirui, John Billy Momanyi, and Douglas Kailanya, was effected immediately.
Chemelil Sugar Company also saw a complete overhaul of its board, with members Samwel Ogola Bonyo, Mary Simat, Henry Ntongai Mitu, David Kiplagat Kitur, Enricah Apiyo Dulo, and John Kipyegon Chesiror all losing their positions. Similarly, the board of Nzoia Sugar Company was dissolved, affecting Elizabeth Mudukiza Iminza, Patrice Chumba, Millicent Anyango Abudho, Benson Madebe Chahasi, Caroline Chematui Temoi, Bonface Okhiya Otsiula, and Okwakau Ino Jonathan.
The state finalized the leasing of the four factories last Friday, signaling a new phase in Kenya’s sugar sector. Under the new arrangement, West Kenya Sugar Company will operate Nzoia Sugar, Kibos Sugar will manage Chemelil, Busia Sugar Industry Ltd takes over Sony Sugar, and West Valley Sugar Company assumes control of Muhoroni Sugar.
CS Kagwe emphasized that the transition is intended to boost efficiency, production, and profitability in a sector that has long struggled under mismanagement and debt.
