Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has come out against the planned redundancy at Nzoia Sugar Company, accusing the government and the mill’s management of threatening the livelihoods of thousands of families in the region.
In a statement on Thursday, August 21, Natembeya attributed the move to lay off staff to the government’s decision to lease state-owned sugar mills to private investors.
"I have noted with deep concern an internal memo issued on 18th August 2025 by the management of Nzoia Sugar Company, notifying staff of an intended redundancy effective 1st November 2025. This decision stems from the national government's move to lease state-owned sugar mills to private investors.
"As the Governor of Trans Nzoia County, and a firm defender of the livelihoods of our people, I strongly oppose this reckless move that threatens the jobs of thousands of workers, their families, and the broader economy of our region. Nzoia Sugar Company is not just a factory — it is the heartbeat of our farmers, traders, contractors, transporters, and countless small businesses whose survival depends directly and indirectly on its operations," he said.
Natembeya went on to fault the government for excluding key stakeholders from the decision-making process.
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"The unilateral decision to lease the mill without adequate consultation with stakeholders is unacceptable. It is a betrayal to the hardworking men and women who have dedicated their lives to the sugar industry in Kenya. My administration has consistently insisted that any reforms in the sugar sector must prioritize farmers and workers, not private profiteers," he added.
Natembeya disclosed that he had already reached out to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Nzoia Sugar management to demand an immediate halt to the process.
"I have today taken steps to engage both the Ministry of Agriculture and the leadership of Nzoia Sugar Company to immediately halt this redundancy process. I will not stand by as thousands of families are pushed into poverty under the guise of restructuring. The future of our people cannot and will not be mortgaged for short-term gains," he further said.
Natembeya further rallied leaders from the region to form a united front in resisting the plan.
"I therefore call upon all leaders from Western Kenya — Governors, Members of Parliament, MCAs, and community leaders — to unite in resisting this ill-advised leasing scheme. Our people deserve better. We demand a transparent, inclusive process that emphasizes modernization of the sugar sector, protection of jobs, and fair returns for our farmers," he concluded.
Natembeya's remarks came in response to an internal memo circulated to Nzoia Sugar staff earlier this week.
The notice, signed by Nzoia Sugar Managing Director Ezron Kotut on Monday, August 18, informed employees of the company’s intention to declare positions redundant from November 1, 2025.
"Following the recent government’s decision to lease all the state-owned sugar mills to private investors, I hereby wish to formally notify you of the Company’s intention to declare Nzoia Sugar Company Limited existing job positions redundant, effective 1st November 2025," the memo read.
Kotut noted that, following the development, the company would follow due process as per the labour laws on redundancy.
"The Company intends to follow the due process provided in applicable labor laws regarding employment separation on account of redundancy, the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) & guidelines provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
"The intention, at the point of separation, is to have all current regular staff paid their dues and entitlements in accordance with the applicable laws, the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) & other relevant guidelines," the memo added.
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