Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has clarified that no sugar factory in Kenya has been sold, stating that the government has only leased them out through a transparent process that received full parliamentary approval.
Speaking before the National Assembly’s Agriculture Committee on Tuesday May 13, 2025, CS Kagwe dismissed claims that the leasing process lacked transparency, emphasizing that all stakeholders were involved from the beginning.
“No sugar factory has been sold. It’s leasing that has been done, and Parliament approved the whole process. I dismiss assertions that the process was opaque considering all stakeholders were involved,” said Kagwe.
“We are ready to submit any document for scrutiny by Parliament and the general public, as requested by Hon. Ruth Odinga, to assure the public on the lease process,” he added.
Supporting Kagwe’s remarks, National Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Dr. John Mutunga echoed that the entire leasing process was subjected to parliamentary oversight.
“The sugar leasing process was taken through Parliament; that’s why other members are not worried. The leasing process was not restricted,” Dr. Mutunga noted.
The clarification comes amid rising public interest and political scrutiny over the leasing of state-owned sugar factories, with some leaders raising concerns over transparency and public participation.
CS Kagwe assured the public that the government remains committed to accountability and is open to further share more information on the process and address all issues arising.
