Nzoia Sugar Company has reached a significant milestone, achieving full installed milling capacity of 3,000 tonnes per day after 7 months of inactivity.
This follows the leasing of the factory to West Kenya Sugar Company, and the completion of extensive rehabilitation works that have restored confidence in one of Western Kenya’s key sugar millers.
Nzoia Sugar Company Full 3,000-Tonne Capacity Revival
The return with a daily milling capacity of 3,000 tonnes marks a significant recovery for Nzoia Sugar, which had been idle for seven months due to financial strain.
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Operating at full capacity means the factory can now consistently process large volumes of cane, reducing delays that previously plagued farmers and disrupted supply chains.
Factory process manager Isaac Wasike confirmed that the rehabilitation works were completed, enabling the factory to mill at its installed capacity.
He noted that consistent operations at full capacity will help clear cane backlogs in the catchment areas.
Extensive Repairs and Modernization Drive
The factory’s comeback follows a comprehensive repair carried out after West Kenya Sugar Company took over operations under a government-arranged lease.
Engineers undertook critical repairs to the main and mill turbines, which are central to maintaining uninterrupted milling.
Roller shells, boiler tubes, and milling units were also repaired or replaced to improve reliability and reduce breakdowns.
Additional upgrades, including improvements to cane preparation equipment, evaporator sets, sugar pumps, the automation of key factory sections, and water pumping systems, were made, ensuring smooth operations across the production process.
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Government Lease and Impact on Farmers
In May 2025, the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, completed the agreement to lease four sugar factories to private millers as part of efforts to revive the ailing sugar industry.
Billionaire entrepreneur Jaswant Rai assumed control of Nzoia Sugar Factory after his company, West Kenya Sugar, secured a 30-year lease deal from the government at a cost of Ksh 5.6 billion.
His companies are estimated to control around 43% of the country’s sugar industry. Additionally, he leads Kabras Sugar, Sukari Industries, and Olepito Sugar.
According to Wasike, the government’s decision to lease Nzoia Sugar was a critical decision in preventing the factory from imminent collapse.
For cane farmers in Bungoma County and surrounding regions, the factory’s return to full production is a significant breakthrough since employment opportunities will now be available.
During the shutdown, many farmers were left with mature cane and limited milling options, resulting in losses and delayed income.
With Nzoia Sugar now operating at full capacity, growers expect improved cane intake, reduced wastage, and more stable payment cycles.
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