Gov't vows to address delayed salaries and job losses in Kwale County

The government has promised swift action to address concerns raised by workers in Kwale County, including delayed salaries at the Kwale International Sugar Company (KISCOL) and the looming job losses following the closure of Base Titanium mining operations.

The intervention comes after local residents and workers expressed frustration over the unpaid wages and benefits, prompting a wave of protests in August.

Around 2,000 employees at KISCOL downed their tools, demanding overdue salaries. Despite promises from the company, the workers say they have yet to receive their pay.

Speaking at a public event held at Ramisi Secondary School, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho assured the workers that the government would take the necessary steps to ensure their grievances were addressed.

“The issue does not concern my ministry directly, but as a government official, it is my duty to raise it with the relevant authorities. We will investigate what is going on. If the company is unable to pay its workers, then they should pack and leave,” said CS Joho.

The workers’ frustrations were echoed by Fred Opito, a representative of the striking employees, who highlighted the immense pressure that the delay in payments has placed on families.

“We have not been paid for five months, and this is taking a toll on us and our families.We are struggling to meet basic needs like food and rent. The company promised timely payments, but we have seen nothing,” said Mr Opito.

Mwane Mutio, another worker, added that despite multiple attempts to engage with the company’s management, their concerns have been largely ignored.

“It is frustrating and demoralizing. We are not only worried about our current financial hardships, but also our future job security,” Mutio said.
 
Meanwhile, as KISCOL faces scrutiny over unpaid wages, over 1,600 employees at Base Titanium are also staring down an uncertain future.

The company, which has been mining in Kwale for several years, will shut down operations at the end of 2024 due to the depletion of mineral resources in the area.

The company had revealed that the largest wave of layoffs is expected at the end of this year, followed by further reductions in March and June 2025.

CS Joho assured the affected workers that the government was already working on a plan to support them during this transition.

“We are focused on what we can do to cushion our brothers and sisters who will lose their jobs as the mine closes.The government is committed to ensuring that these workers are taken care of, both during and after the mine’s closure,” said Mr Joho.

He added that discussions are underway to explore alternative opportunities that could benefit the local communities and help mitigate the impact of the mine's shutdown.

CS Joho also revealed that the government was considering how to utilise the land and infrastructure left behind after the mine closes.

This, he said, could provide new economic opportunities for the local community, and especially those affected by the mass layoffs.

“We are exploring ways to create sustainable livelihoods for the community and the laid-off workers,” Joho said. “The government cares about its people and will ensure those declared redundant are supported through various initiatives.”

Kwale Senator Issa Boi reassured the workers at Base Titanium that they would not face this challenge alone.

He said that both national and local leaders were committed to supporting them as they transitioned to new opportunities.

“Don’t panic.We will walk with you on this journey together until you find another opportunity. As leaders, we are actively exploring ways to support you during this difficult time,” Boi said.

Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito also expressed her solidarity with the affected workers.

She said the closure of Base Titanium would be particularly tough for many families, but assured them that she would work alongside other leaders to find sustainable solutions.

“I understand the pain many families will go through during this period,” Ms Masito said.

“I will collaborate with fellow leaders to ensure that the affected communities and workers receive the support they need.”