Tensions are rising in Koguta Village, Muhoroni sub county, Kisumu county as residents publicly oppose the leasing of state-owned sugar mills, demanding that the government halt the process until proper public participation is conducted.
The residents, while stating they are not against leasing in principle, have expressed concern over the lack of consultation and transparency in the process. They claim the move risks infringing on their ancestral land, which has been under their stewardship for over a century.
Speaking during protest on Monday, youth leader Joseph Ondego criticized the process, saying, “We don’t oppose leasing, but our elders and residents were never consulted. We demand 70 percent of the jobs in the factory be allocated to local youth. We cannot allow decisions to be made over our heads while we watch from the sidelines.”
The protest follows the government’s announcement to lease four major sugar factories; Muhoroni, Chemelil, Nzoia, and Sony to private investors for a period of 30 years. The mills have been allocated to West Kenya Sugar Company, Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries, Busia Sugar Industry, and West Valley Sugar Company, respectively.
Community leaders argue that although the leases are framed as industrial agreements, they fear private entities may attempt to encroach on surrounding farmland. Koguta elder Tom Odumbe insisted that the land belongs to the community, stating, “We have tilled this soil for generations. It is our ancestral land. We are not letting it go under any circumstances.”
Charles Odhiambo, another resident, linked the current tension to historical injustices, citing the 1992 ethnic clashes that displaced many families in the area.
“We were moved then and later allowed back. We will not let history repeat itself. If this continues, we are ready to take our plea to State House,” he said.
The residents also questioned Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe’s role in overseeing the process and called for clarification on whether the leases cover the factories only or include surrounding agricultural land.
Nationally, the leasing plan has triggered mixed reactions. While some stakeholders believe privatization could revive the struggling sector, others argue it exposes farmers to exploitation and land loss. The government has pledged to settle Sh500 million in pending payments owed to farmers for cane delivered since 2024, with the payout expected in July 2025. This follows a Sh1.7 billion disbursement made in 2024.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o had previously warned farmers against supporting the lease deals, warning they could lead to land alienation and increased poverty among sugarcane growers.
As the standoff continues, pressure is mounting on the national government to conduct inclusive consultations, provide clear guidelines on land rights, and ensure that local communities are not left behind in the restructuring of Kenya’s sugar industry.
