Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has defended the government’s decision to lease state-owned sugar factories, assuring lawmakers that no public assets have been sold.
While appearing before the National Assembly’s Agriculture Committee, Kagwe explained that the leasing process was transparent, involved all relevant stakeholders, and was approved by Parliament.
“No sugar factory has been sold. It’s leasing that has been done, and Parliament approved the whole process,” said Kagwe. “We are ready to submit any document for scrutiny by Parliament and the general public, as requested by Hon. Ruth Odinga, to assure the public on the lease process.”
His statement came amid growing public concern and political pressure over the future of key sugar millers. Critics had questioned whether due process was followed and demanded full disclosure of lease agreements and identities of the beneficiaries.
Kagwe dismissed those claims, insisting that the government remains committed to transparency and accountability in managing the sector.
Tigania East MP and Committee Chair John Mutunga backed Kagwe’s remarks, noting that the leasing plan was subjected to legislative scrutiny.
“The sugar leasing process was taken through Parliament; that’s why other members are not worried. The leasing process was not restricted, and if you feel the lessees are not good enough, you could have tendered,” said Mutunga.
The government has positioned leasing as a strategy to revive the struggling sugar industry, which has faced years of mismanagement, inefficiencies, and financial losses.
According to Kagwe, involving the private sector through leasing will inject capital, improve efficiency, and restore competitiveness without transferring ownership of public assets.
He reiterated that all bidders were subjected to open vetting and that the government is ready to provide documentation to clear any remaining doubts.
