The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) has set an end-of-October target for the full revival of four state-owned sugar mills leased to private operators, saying the reforms are beginning to yield results.

KSB Chairman Nicholas Gumbo said Muhoroni and SONY Sugar Companies have already resumed milling.

“We have toured these factories and I can confirm that two are fully operational and producing sugar,” Gumbo stated.

He noted that the two remaining factories, Chemelil and Nzoia, are still undergoing machine rehabilitation but should be ready for production before November.

“The progress is commendable. Everyone involved is working within the set timelines to ensure full resumption of operations,” he added.

Gumbo was speaking at Chemelil Sugar Company during an inspection tour, where he assured farmers that the sector would soon stabilise once all four plants are in production.

On the same visit, Chemelil Sugar 2025 Director Jassi Chatthe confirmed their factory is also on track.

“We’re currently rehabilitating the machines in phases. Phase one is nearly complete. The upgrade process will continue until the entire factory is fully revamped,” he said.

Concerns about salary delays also came up, with Gumbo urging patience.

He reminded workers that the industry had been crippled for decades, saying, “This is a process, and workers need to understand that these factories were mismanaged for decades. It’s unrealistic to expect full recovery within just three months.”

The chairman also pointed to encouraging signs from the two mills already in operation. According to him, weekly cane crushing has risen from 7,000 tonnes before leasing to 11,000 tonnes now.

“Before leasing, these mills were only crushing about 7,000 tonnes of cane per week. Now, they’re processing 11,000 tonnes weekly,” Gumbo said.

He argued that leasing has brought efficiency and better management practices, creating ripple effects in surrounding towns.

“The change is already visible. Towns around the operational mills are coming back to life, with money circulating and local economies rebounding,” he noted.

Gumbo further revealed that, under state management, the mills used to generate just Sh20–30 million per month, while their salary obligations were above Sh100 million.

“That’s how the salary arrears built up. But now, under the new management, the mills can cover salaries and still make profits,” he said.

The KSB maintains that the October deadline remains intact, with hopes pinned on a steady recovery for both cane farmers and the wider economy.