Migori Cane Farmers Petition Government Over Ksh.185 Million Unpaid Arrears

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Cane farmers in Migori County have petitioned the national government, demanding the payment of Ksh.185 million in outstanding arrears

The farmers, under the Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers (Sony Branch), presented their petition through the office of the Migori County Commissioner. The delegation was led by branch secretary Argwengs Adongo, who expressed concern over what he termed as government silence on the delayed payments

Adongo stated that the government had pledged to clear the arrears by the end of 2025, but the promise remains unfulfilled

He further noted that farmers have made several attempts to engage the government through various channels without success

Federation chairperson John Omollo Odondi echoed the concerns, saying the delayed payments have significantly affected farmers’ ability to develop and sustain cane farming activities

“The failure to settle these arrears has crippled operations on the ground. Farmers are struggling to maintain and expand cane development,” said Omollo

The federation has also called on elected leaders from Migori County to intervene and push for the immediate settlement of the outstanding dues

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In addition to the arrears, the farmers are urging the government to fully implement the Sugar Act to enable them to benefit from support mechanisms under the Sugar Board. They are calling for the proper constitution of the Sugar Board to facilitate access to services such as affordable loans and other forms of assistance

The farmers claim that several promises made to them by President William Ruto’s administration remain unmet, further compounding the challenges facing the sector