Governor Natembeya Slams Nzoia Sugar Redundancy Plan: “We Will Not Let Our People Be Sacrificed”
Eugine Wabwile
2 min read
In a powerful statement that has sent ripples across Western Kenya, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has come out swinging against a planned redundancy notice issued by Nzoia Sugar Company.
The notice, dated August 18, 2025, warns of mass layoffs effective November 1, following the national government’s controversial decision to lease state-owned sugar mills to private investors.Governor Natembeya condemned the move as “a betrayal of the hardworking men and women who have sustained the sugar industry for decades.” He emphasized that Nzoia Sugar is not just a factory—it’s the lifeline of thousands of farmers, traders, contractors, and small businesses whose survival depends on its continued operation.“We will not stand by as our people are sacrificed at the altar of privatization,” Natembeya declared.“This mill is the heartbeat of our economy, and its future must be shaped by the voices of those who built it—not by profit-driven outsiders.”The Governor revealed that his administration has already engaged the Ministry of Agriculture and the company’s leadership to halt the redundancy process.
He called for a transparent and inclusive reform strategy that prioritizes modernization, job security, and fair returns for farmers.Natembeya also issued a rallying cry to fellow leaders across Western Kenya—Governors, MPs, MCAs, and community figures—to unite against the leasing scheme. He urged them to demand accountability and ensure that any restructuring protects the dignity and livelihoods of sugar sector workers.
In a message of solidarity, he assured Nzoia Sugar employees:“Your voices will not be silenced. We will defend your rights, your jobs, and your future.”This development marks a critical moment in Kenya’s sugar industry reform debate, with Governor Natembeya positioning himself as a fierce advocate for grassroots interests over corporate gain.
