What began as a tense standoff across key industrial towns took a calmer turn late Monday after a series of closed door meetings brought together government officials and union leaders.
For days, uncertainty had hung over thousands of households dependent on the sugar sector, with milling plants silent and cane deliveries disrupted, raising fears of wider economic ripple effects in sugar growing regions.
The nationwide strike by sugar factory workers has now been suspended following high level crisis talks between the government and labour unions, clearing the way for employees to resume duty as modalities to settle long standing salary arrears are finalised.
The decision was announced after marathon negotiations that stretched into the night, with both sides describing the outcome as a necessary compromise to stabilise the troubled sector.
Union officials said the suspension was informed by firm commitments from the government to release funds earmarked for unpaid wages, some of which date back several months.
Workers in both state owned and privately run mills had downed their tools, citing delayed salaries, statutory deductions that had not been remitted, and deteriorating working conditions.
“The strike has been suspended in good faith to allow the government to honour its promises,” a union representative said, noting that the move was not a withdrawal of grievances but a temporary reprieve.
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He added that unions would closely monitor the implementation of the agreed timelines and would not hesitate to reissue strike notices should commitments fail to materialise.
On its part, the government acknowledged the depth of the crisis in the sugar industry, attributing the arrears to cash-flow constraints, legacy debts and inefficiencies that have plagued the sector for years.
Officials involved in the talks said the Treasury had been engaged to fast-track the release of funds, while longer-term reforms were being pursued to improve governance and financial sustainability in sugar factories.
The strike had threatened to paralyse sugar production at the height of the milling season, compounding losses for farmers who rely on timely cane harvesting to earn a living.
Transporters, traders and small businesses in sugar belts such as western Kenya had also begun feeling the pinch as operations stalled.
Factory managers have since been instructed to prepare for the gradual resumption of operations, with workers expected to report back as payment processes begin.
Some mills indicated they would prioritise clearing at least part of the arrears to boost morale and restore confidence.
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