The government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to revive the Kwale International Sugar Company Limited (KISCOL), a move expected to rejuvenate sugarcane farming and restore thousands of jobs in the Coast region.
Speaking during an inspection of the factory and surrounding plantations, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe emphasized that the initiative focuses on revitalizing livelihoods rather than politics.
Multi-Stakeholder Committee Established
Kagwe announced the creation of a high-level revival committee, led by the Kenya Sugar Board, which will include representatives from the national government, Kwale County, investors, farmers, security agencies, and local leaders. The committee's mandate is to address legal, operational, and social challenges that have hindered the factory's operations.
Strategic Importance of KISCOL
KISCOL is one of Kenya's largest private sugar investments, equipped with modern milling infrastructure, an irrigated nucleus estate, and an extensive outgrower network. When fully operational, the complex can mill thousands of tonnes of sugarcane daily, supporting tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs across various sectors including farming, transport, and manufacturing.
Beyond sugar production, the factory has potential for value addition through molasses, ethanol, electricity co-generation from bagasse, and other downstream industries, which could significantly boost economic activity in Kwale and neighboring counties.
Addressing Challenges and Supporting Farmers
Kagwe acknowledged obstacles such as land disputes, cane shortages, vandalism, delayed payments to farmers, and insecurity. To restore confidence, the government plans to clear Sh66 million in outstanding payments to cane growers.
He urged the community to protect sugarcane farms and irrigation infrastructure from destruction, warning that such acts delay economic recovery. The Cabinet Secretary also called on the Kwale County Government to expedite the resettlement of about 15,000 squatters occupying nearly 7,000 acres of factory land, a major barrier to full operations.
Vision for Sustainable Growth
Drawing on successful models from Western Kenya, Kagwe highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, investors, and communities to restore profitability and sustainable operations at KISCOL.
The revival committee will develop a framework ensuring transparency, accountability, and a focus on farmers’ welfare, covering irrigation, cane development, factory operations, financing, and long-term sustainability.
If successful, the initiative is expected to position KISCOL as a key economic driver for the Coast region, attracting investment, creating youth employment, enhancing sugar self-sufficiency, and stimulating growth across multiple sectors.
