A wave of discontent is looming in the western region over growing claims of ethnic discrimination in employment practices at West Valley Sugar, a privately owned mill located near the Kericho-Kisumu county border.
Despite sourcing the bulk of its sugarcane supply from predominantly Luo farming communities, the company is now facing mounting criticism for allegedly favouring one ethnic group almost exclusively in its hiring practices.
Multiple complaints from job seekers and local residents indicate that the factory’s workforce is composed almost entirely of individuals from a single ethnic background, with an estimated 95% reportedly belonging to that community.
Applicants from other ethnic groups, particularly the Luo, Luhya and Kisii communities, have reportedly faced systemic exclusion, often being subjected to formal interviews only to be sidelined without further communication.
Investigations by concerned locals suggest that most vacancies are quietly filled in advance, raising serious questions about transparency, inclusivity, and fairness.
The situation has stirred tensions in the region, with many questioning how a factory that economically relies on cane supplied by diverse communities can fail to reflect that same diversity in its workforce.
Critics argue that such practices go against the spirit of national unity and undermine efforts toward equitable economic development in Kenya’s rural counties.
The company, originally established by a prominent businessman in the region and now under the management of his family, has recently expanded its influence by taking over operations at a major public sugar mill under a long-term lease agreement.
“Hello Nyakundi, there’s something I need you to expose. There’s this company called West Valley Sugar which is within the boundary of Kericho and Kisumu counties. This company has employed 95% of Kalenjins. Other tribes ukienda, unafinyishwa interview then wanakuambia they will let you know. Ukifuatilia, you find that watu walishachukuliwa na wote ni Wakale. Why must they do this yet they get most of the sugarcane from Luo land? Kwani Luhyas, Kisiis and Luos sio Wakenya? They should follow what Kibos Sugar has done by employing all tribes in Kenya. West Valley Sugar was founded by the late Samwel Ngetich of Kipchimchim group. Currently, his 3 sons have taken over the management. Rumors had it that William Ruto is also a shareholder. Recently they took over management of Muhoroni Sugar under a lease of 30 years.”
This development has further fuelled calls for accountability and equitable hiring policies, especially given the public interest implications of operating leased state-owned assets.
As debate grows around inclusivity in private-sector employment, comparisons are increasingly being drawn to other sugar millers in the region, which have been lauded for adopting a more inclusive and nationally representative hiring model.
Many stakeholders are now urging relevant county governments and labour oversight agencies to step in and investigate the allegations, ensure compliance with fair labour practices, and promote ethnic harmony in regions with a history of political and social fragility.
If left unaddressed, observers warn, such practices could deepen ethnic resentment and undermine public confidence in industrial investments meant to uplift the broader population.
