Farmers attached to Kwale International Sugar Company (KISCOL) continued protests on Monday against delayed payments lasting up to five months.
While carrying fresh sugarcane leaves, sources heard the irate workers chanting “pesa haki yetu.”
Since resuming operations in April of this year, Pabari Investments’ company has paid its employees for at most five months.
Local farmers are also protesting the non-payment of other debts dating back to 2018.
They’re demanding at least Ksh 8 million from the sugar miller.
The workers have been on strike since August 21st, with the company doing little to address their concerns.
On Monday morning, they stormed the company offices, with some of the farmers stating they needed money to pay school fees.
Following a 20-month closure due to operational challenges, the company resumed operations in April. It has also been battling to settle a lease land case with the government.
However, some local leaders blame the company for mishandling its resources without considering the plight of farmers.
The company produces the least amount of sugar in the country.
In April 2022, KISCOL sued the government, seeking Ksh 36.92 billion in damages for breach of statutory and contractual duties over its land lease in Kwale.
There are suspicions that several company officials are collaborating with rogue government lawyers to resolve the case outside of court.
