Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has ordered the immediate closure of all sugarcane weighbridges operating outside designated zones, saying they are disrupting order and fairness in the country’s sugar sector.
Speaking after a meeting with officials from the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers, the Kenya Sugar Board, and other industry players on Tuesday, November 4, Kagwe said the illegal weighbridges have been interfering with cane zoning and harvesting schedules a move that has left many farmers frustrated and shortchanged.
“To protect farmers and bring sanity to the sugar industry, only the CEO of the Kenya Sugar Board will be allowed to authorise weighbridge operations,” Kagwe said. “Any weighbridge operating outside its catchment area will be shut down immediately.”
The CS said the crackdown is part of the government’s wider effort to rebuild confidence in the sugar sector, ensure transparency, and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of farmers who depend on sugarcane.
“These reforms are not about punishing anyone,” Kagwe added. “They are about restoring order and fairness so that the farmer who works hard on their land gets what they deserve.”
He also addressed the issue of unpaid dues to farmers and workers in public sugar factories that are being leased to private investors.
Kagwe assured that the government has already started clearing the outstanding payments and that every worker and farmer will get what they are owed.
“We are working within fiscal realities, but no one will be left behind,” he said. “Every shilling due will be paid. This ministry remains open and committed to making sure both workers and farmers get their rightful dues.”
Kagwe further explained that most employees from the affected factories will either be reabsorbed by new investors or retire under fair terms.
He emphasized that the government will closely monitor the leasing process to ensure the new operators honour their investment promises, resume full operations, and carry out necessary repairs on the factories.
“These reforms are meant to revive the sugar industry, protect jobs, and give our farmers the confidence that the sector can once again be stable and profitable,” Kagwe said.
The CS’s remarks come at a time when sugarcane farmers across the country have been calling for stronger government action against exploitation and poor management in the sector.
