Sugarcane farmers in Malava constituency have protested the suspension of planned elections for grower representatives to the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB).
Speaking exclusively with news9.africa on Tuesday, September 8, the farmers expressed frustration over the postponement as the sector’s crisis deepens.
“The elections were scheduled for Saturday, September 5. Farmers from different belts had raised concerns that something is not right. We were fully prepared,” said Isaac Mulambula, a seasoned farmer from West Kabras Ward.
Zacharia Atswenje echoed his remarks, stating the move deepens underrepresentation, leaving farmers’ voices unheard at the national level.
He also faulted the suspension for weakening KSB’s recent 7-day payment directive for millers, which included interest and mobile weighbridges to curb weighing fraud.
“This move directly affects farmers awaiting payments. Last week’s directive favoured farmers who have long been defrauded during weighing. This protection is now weak because it has no backing, as the board is not fully constituted,” Atswenje said.
A circular dated Wednesday, September 2, from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to the elections chairperson suspended the polls, citing Kericho Constitutional Petition No. E016 of 2026 filed by Richard Ochieng’ and two others against KSB and the Election Committee.
“The interim conservatory orders issued on September 2, 2026 temporarily suspended the election process in the Central Catchment Area. The committee has considered these orders on the conduct of elections across all five catchment areas,” read the statement in part.
Another petition was filed in Bungoma by farmer Silverious Simiyu from Bumula, challenging his zone’s shift from Lower Western to Upper Western catchment without public participation.
Both cases were consolidated and moved to Vihiga Court, with a hearing set for 10th September 2026 before Justice Nyakundi.
Malava falls in the Upper Western zone (Kakamega North), hosting Butali and West Kenya Sugar Mills, while Mumias Sugar Company lies in the Lower Western part.
Atswenje also hinted at political interference, saying some candidates have been fronted by politicians.
“These seats have been politicised. Such candidates will not table our issues. I urge the ministry to address this,” he said.
The suspension leaves the board incomplete, blocking key policy and financial decisions. The Sugar Development Levy, set at KSh 4 per kg to fund cane development, roads, and research, remains inoperative, as grower representatives’ approval is required.
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