The Office of the Ombudsman has given Agriculture Principal Secretary Kiprono Ronoh 21 days to release records concerning the leasing of four public sugar companies or face criminal prosecution. This follows a citizen's request for access to information that went unanswered.

• The request, made by Mr AO on July 29, 2025, sought award letters, full lease agreements, and selection criteria for private companies taking over operations at Muhoroni, Nzoia, Chemelil, and Sony Sugar.
• The Ombudsman emphasized the ministry's obligations under the Access to Information Act and warned of prosecution under Section 28 if compliance is not met within the timeframe.
• Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe previously assured Parliament that investments by private operators will revert to the government after the 30-year concession period, with leases finalized in May. Investors will pay annual lease rent of KSh 40,000 per hectare for Chemelil, Muhoroni, and Sony, and KSh 45,000 per hectare for Nzoia, plus concession fees and a one-off goodwill payment.