The Office of the Ombudsman issued the ultimatum to the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Agriculture, following a citizen’s request for full disclosure on the leasing of Muhoroni, Nzoia, Chemelil, and Sony Sugar Company to private entities.
The complainant, who submitted the request on July 29, sought details such as letters of award, the criteria used for allocation, and the lease agreements between the government and the private companies.
According to the Ombudsman, the State Department failed to respond, even after a follow-up inquiry from the Commission in September.
The Commission then invoked powers under the Access to Information Act 2016 to issue a binding order requiring the PS to provide the documents.
“All disclosures must comply with the law to ensure completeness and accuracy,” the Ombudsman’s letter read. The PS has been given 21 days to comply.
The leases, finalized in May, handed control of the sugar companies to private firms under 30-year agreements, sparking criticism, particularly from opposition groups.
Busia Sugar Industry Ltd took over South Nyanza, West Kenya Sugar Company Ltd leased Nzoia, Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries Ltd acquired Chemelil, and West Valley Sugar Company Ltd assumed control of Muhoroni.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe defended the move, saying the lease proceeds would directly benefit local farmers through bonuses.
