The leasing of Kenya’s four public sugar factories—Nzoia Sugar, Muhoroni Sugar, Chemelil Sugar, and Sony Sugar—has been a significant development in the country’s agricultural sector. The process, initiated by the Head of State in May 2023, marks a departure from the privatization model that began in 2003. This shift is intended to rejuvenate the struggling sugar industry and attract private investment to enhance production and efficiency. Here’s a detailed update on the leasing process and its current status.
Background and Process
In response to the ongoing challenges faced by Kenya’s sugar industry, the government explored three disposal models for the public mills: privatization, leasing, and contract management. Following a thorough review by the Ministry of the National Treasury, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the economic advisory team at the Office of the President, leasing was approved as the most viable model. The Cabinet subsequently endorsed this model, and Parliament passed legislation supporting it, while also approving the write-off of approximately KSh 127 billion in government debt held by these mills.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) was identified as the optimal procurement method. Advertisements for the RFP were published on February 1, 2024, with the process scheduled to run until February 29, 2024. This international tender attracted over 40 bidders, reflecting significant interest in the leasing opportunity.
Legal Challenge
However, the leasing process faced a major setback when Martin Nyongesa Baraza, a stakeholder, obtained a court order to halt the process. Baraza challenged the process by alleging it was a privatization and sale, rather than leasing. This claim misrepresented the nature of the process, which had been clearly defined as leasing. The court’s intervention has caused delays, and the matter has been fully prosecuted and is now awaiting judgment.
During court proceedings, it was evident that the litigant had misled the court regarding the nature of the process. The Attorney General’s office indicated that the matter would be mentioned again on August 8, 2024. Since then, there has been no further update from the court, leaving the future of the leasing process uncertain.
Current Developments
Despite the legal challenge, the government remains proactive. On August 6, 2024, a crucial meeting was held at the Treasury to strategize and prepare for the next steps in the event of a favorable ruling. This meeting underscores the government’s commitment to advancing the leasing process and its confidence in the potential benefits of this model for the sugar sector.
The leasing model is expected to breathe new life into the public mills, which have struggled with inefficiencies and mounting debts. By attracting private sector investment and expertise, the government aims to revitalize these mills, improve sugar production, and ultimately benefit local farmers and the broader economy.
Implications and Future Outlook
The legal hurdles have cast a shadow over the leasing process, but the government’s continued efforts suggest a strong resolve to push forward. If the court ruling is favorable, the leasing process will proceed, and the public mills could see significant improvements in operations and financial health. However, if the ruling is unfavorable, the government may need to explore alternative strategies to address the sector’s challenges.
The outcome of the court case will be pivotal in determining the future of Kenya’s sugar industry. Stakeholders and industry observers will be closely watching the developments, as the resolution of this legal challenge will shape the path forward for one of Kenya’s key agricultural sectors.
In summary, while the leasing process for Kenya’s public sugar factories has encountered legal obstacles, the government’s proactive approach and preparation for potential outcomes reflect a determined effort to rejuvenate the sector. The next few months will be crucial in determining the success of this initiative and its impact on the country’s sugar industry.
