Natembeya vows to reclaim Nzoia and Mumias sugar factories in 2027
By Nancy Marende, July 3, 2025Trans-Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya has pledged to reclaim the Nzoia and Mumias Sugar companies, as well as Webuye Pan Paper, after the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the Western region tour by opposition leaders on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Kakamega Town, he stated that the opposition will chase private investors once they win the 2027 elections.
“We don’t want political projects in the Western region. Those who bought the Mumias, Nzoia, and Pan Paper factories, we are telling them that once we come into power, we will chase them away. We will reclaim our property,” he stated.
He was flanked by Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, and other opposition leaders.
This comes after the government completed the leasing process of four public sugar factories to revive the once-thriving sugar sector in the country.
Lease agreement
In a statement in May 2025, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe said that following a broad-based consultation, four private millers have been awarded a 30-year lease for the operation of Nzoia, Chemilil, Sony, and Muhoroni Sugar Companies.
“The procurement of the four firms followed broad-based engagement with stakeholders across the sugar sector, dating back to the year 2015 when Parliament approved the process,” he said.
Furthermore, he stated that the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company has been awarded to West Kenya Sugar Company, while that of Chemelil Sugar Company has been awarded to Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries Limited.
He stated that the leasing of Sony Sugar Company has been awarded to Busia Sugar Industry Ltd. and that the leasing of Muhoroni Sugar Company has been awarded to West Valley Sugar Company.
“The government competitively procured the four firms through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Kenya Sugar Board, and other key government players,” he said.
He observed that the decision to lease out the four factories was arrived at after lengthy consultations with key stakeholders across the sugar sector, including farmers, sugar factory workers, unions, Members of Parliament, and governors, with approval from the Cabinet.
The CS said the decision was informed by the need to ensure a return on investment for taxpayers, who have, over the years, bailed out the ailing sugar sector.