By Nicholas Anyuor
The biting cane shortage and cut throat competition for the commodity have forced Chemelil Sugar Company to send home about 100 casual workers. The shortage has hit three sugar factories in Nyando belt.
It has forced the millers; Chemelil, Kibos and allied factories and Muhoroni sugar companies to crush immature canes of 12 months that has low sucrose content.
The affected labourers protested the action terming it as "unjust and unprocedural" and that it should be rescinded.
Chemelil Sugar Company Public Relations manager Salim Bakari confirmed the termination of services saying they do not have adequate cane to crush.
"We told them that we are experiencing cane shortage and mopping up the commodity and will call them back at an appropriate time. It is unfortunate that they went to the media," he said.
In a letter addressed to the Kisumu Labour Officer, the 92 victims requested the ministry to assist them in recovering their dues and other benefits as stipulated in the Labour Laws and that of the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantations and Agriculture Workers Allied.
"Our services have been terminated after working for the company for a period ranging between 2-19 years without leave break, but we request your office to assist us recover our dues," the letter read.
They blamed the company of being rude to them when they demanded to know when they would be paid their benefits.
"The Company used security officers to chase us away and have failed to listen to our demand. We want the ministry to come in and help us," said John Tinga.
Chemelil Sugar Factory on August 3, temporarily stopped some of its casual labours to cope up with the rising cane shortage in the zone.
Bakari said that the labourers have been temporarily stopped from delivering their services following the cane shortage.
He said that the shortage would not allow that company to manage many workers as at now.
Nyando region is currently facing cane shortage, and the millers have to cope with the situation.
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