A dramatic shift is underway in Kenya’s sugar industry, moving from a cycle of debt and closed mills to a future of self-sufficiency. Driven by a Ksh12 billion government leasing initiative under President William Ruto, rehabilitated factories like Sony Sugar have roared back to life, eliminating long-standing liabilities and ensuring farmers are finally paid on time.
Sony Sugar Company revival has emerged as a major economic lifeline for residents of Awendo and the wider Migori and Nyanza regions, with company officials highlighting significant improvements in production, farmer relations, and local business activity.
The Managing Director Pamela Odhiambo explained that the turnaround strategy has centred on rebuilding trust with farmers and ensuring that cane deliveries remain consistent.
Increased production has enabled the factory to stabilize operations and contribute more effectively to the local economy.
The revival has created employment opportunities, boosted local economy in the region and provided farmers with a more reliable market for their cane, while also strengthening the competitiveness of domestic production.
A Sweet Turnaround: Sony Sugar Revival Rekindles Hope in Migori
The South Nyanza Sugar Company (SonySugar) factory in Awendo is once again operating after years of challenges that had crippled production. The revival has restored confidence among farmers, employees, and businesses that depend on the sugar mill for their livelihoods. Photo/ FileThe vast, lush green sugarcane plantations in Awendo. Under the Government’s KSh12 billion leasing programme, the revived sector aims to shift from historic liabilities to sustainable, high-yield growth. Photo/ FileSony Sugar Managing Director Jane Pamela Odhiambo explains the company’s recovery journey. She says management prioritized rebuilding farmer confidence, securing cane supply, and restoring efficient operations to put the factory back on a path to sustainability.Photo/FileSugarcane trucks line up at the factory as farmers respond positively to improved services and renewed operations. The increase in cane deliveries has helped raise production levels and strengthen the factory’s contribution to the local economy. Photo/ FileBusinesses around Awendo town are experiencing renewed activity as the factory’s operations inject income into the local economy. Traders like Fred Onyango urges the youth to put hard work and engage even in farming, highlighting that nothing comes for free. Photo/ FileSony Sugar’s distribution policy allows both large distributors and small-scale retailers to access sugar supplies. The approach is helping local entrepreneurs remain competitive while expanding business opportunities across the region. Photo/ FileRhoda Odera , a seed cane farmer is happy with the progress in the sugar sector. She explains that farmers are satisfied by the timely harvesting of their cane and the subsequent quick payment. Photo/ FileA factory worker packages processed sugar at a modernized milling plant at Sony Sugar factory. Supported by the Government’s strategic leasing initiative, the revitalization of sugar factories aims to secure local jobs, and ensure long-term market sustainability. Photo/ FileHeavy industrial machinery and gantry cranes stand ready at the processing yard at Sony Sugar. The management noted that infrastructure development is key in process of getting the industry going. Photo/ FileA smiling Norah Atieno Jowi points to her lush green cane crop. Backed by the bold legislative reforms and a strategic public-private leasing program, confidence has returned to Kenya’s sugar value chain, empowering smallholders and drastically reducing the nation’s reliance on imports. Photo/ File
Annah Nanjala Wekesa is a journalist at The Kenya Times, with a passion for crafting news-worthy stories that leave a lasting impact. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media from Kisii University. She has honed her skills in the art of storytelling and journalism. Her passion lies in the art of storytelling that resonates with audiences, driving a commitment to delivering news-worthy stories through the lens of integrity and precision. She can be reached at [email protected]
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