- Sugarcane farmers in Migori have submitted a petition over unpaid Ksh. 185 million
- The document was presented on February 11, 2026, to the County Commissioner
- Farmers say earlier promises to pay by the end of 2025 were not met
- Leaders warn that the delay is hurting farm operations and cane development
Sugarcane growers in Migori County have formally asked the national government to release Ksh. 185 million in unpaid dues.
The petition was presented on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the office of the Migori County Commissioner. Farmers say the payment had been promised before the end of 2025, but no funds have been released.
The group was led by Argwengs Adongo, Secretary of the Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers (Sony Branch). He said farmers are concerned about the government’s silence despite earlier commitments.
Federation Chairperson John Omollo Odondi added that the delay has placed growers in a difficult position. According to him, many farmers now lack the money needed to maintain their crops or improve their farms.
Beyond the pending payments, the farmers are demanding full enforcement of the Sugar Act. They also want the Sugar Board properly constituted to help streamline services in the sector.
They argue that a functional board would allow farmers to access key support, including agricultural loans and other financial services.
The petition comes at a time when the sugar sector is under pressure nationwide. On February 2, 2026, workers in sugar factories called off a countrywide strike after the government promised to release Ksh. 1 billion within two weeks.
The funds were meant to reduce a much larger debt of KSh. 10.8 billion owed to employees at state-owned mills.
The outstanding Ksh. 10.8 billion includes unpaid salaries and retirement benefits for workers at factories such as Sony Sugar in Migori, as well as Muhoroni, Nzoia, and Chemelil.
As the financial strain continues, Migori farmers now wait for the government’s response to their latest appeal, hoping for quick action to stabilise the sector.
