Former employees of Webuye Pan Paper Mills, now operating under Rai Paper, have finally received long-awaited salary arrears after the government released Sh229 million to settle outstanding dues.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said the payment marks the end of a painful struggle that has lasted for years since the collapse of the once-iconic factory.
He credited President William Ruto for intervening to unlock the funds, saying the issue was resolved after he personally raised it during a development tour in Bungoma.
“I raised the issue with the President during his development tour of Bungoma, and he approved the settlement of the arrears,” Wetang’ula said.
The money, released in November 2025, covered salary arrears and terminal dues for 1,349 former workers who lost their jobs following the factory’s collapse 16 years ago.
The payment is part of a wider government effort to clear long-standing debts owed to former employees of collapsed state-linked industries.
Speaking during a weekend meeting with Bukusu elders from Western and Trans Nzoia counties at his Bungoma home, Wetang’ula said many families had suffered severe financial hardship since the shutdown of the factory.
He noted that the closure of Pan Paper Mills in 2009 was caused by heavy debts, poor management, and failure to sustain operational costs such as electricity bills.
Wetang’ula also dismissed what he termed political exploitation of the workers’ suffering, saying the payment should be seen as a restoration of dignity rather than a political tool.
“This payment not only restores dignity to the affected workers but also puts to rest the exploitation of their suffering for political gain,” he said.
He further highlighted renewed economic activity in the region, noting that Nzoia Sugar Company has resumed operations following government intervention to clear debts owed to farmers and stakeholders.
Wetang’ula urged farmers to return as operations stabilize, saying the revival of key industries marks a turning point for the region’s economy.
During the same meeting, he called on elders to play a stronger role in promoting unity and guiding the youth, while criticizing internal divisions that have weakened their influence.
He also pledged government support to strengthen coordination among elders through a dedicated office structure.
Wetang’ula further rallied the elders to support President Ruto’s re-election bid, pointing to ongoing development projects and government appointments in the region.
The meeting was attended by Senate Chief Whip David Wakoli, Webuye East MP Martin Pepela, former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga, and several Members of County Assembly.
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