President William Ruto has revoked the appointment of board chairpersons of Chemelil Sugar, South Nyanza Sugar (Sony) and Nzoia Sugar companies.
In a gazette notice dated May 12, 2025, President Ruto revoked the said appointments, in a move to formalise the recent leasing of the state-owned sugar factories to private investors.
John Nyambok, Jared Odhiambo Opiyo and Alfred Khang’ati’s appointments as chairpersons of Chemelil Sugar, South Nyanza (Sony) Sugar, and Nzoia Sugar companies’ boards respectively were revoked with immediate effect.
Government has finalised the leasing of the four factories, in a move to stabilise the ailing sugar sector in Kenya.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary on Friday, May 9 announced that the Ministry had handed over the factories to private millers under 30-year lease agreements.
In the new leases, West Kenya Sugar Company will take over Nzoia Sugar Company, Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd will manage Chemelil Sugar Company, Busia Sugar Industry will operate Sony Sugar Company, while West Valley Sugar Company Ltd will be in charge of Muhoroni Sugar Company.
Equally, CS Kagwe has revoked the appointments of board members of the four factories.
“I would like to assure the public and all stakeholders that the negotiated terms represent the best possible outcome to ensure the revival of the sugar sector,” CS Kagwe said. “I call upon your continued support in realising this vision. The Ministry remains fully committed and ready to address any concerns that may arise.”
CS Kagwe also assured the public that all assets belonging to the four factories, including land, will remain the property of the National Government.
