Kagwe tea farmers in Lari protest low payouts, demand timely fertilizer supply while SACCO launches youth startup loan program

Tea farmers in Kagwe have expressed frustration over recent payouts, describing the amounts as far below their expectations. Most of the affected farmers are small-scale producers, many of whom rely solely on tea for their livelihoods. They also pointed to adverse weather patterns this season, including irregular rainfall and rising temperatures, which they say negatively impacted crop quality and harvest volumes.

Speaking at a members’ educational forum organized by K Unity SACCO, farmers urged the government to ensure timely delivery of fertilizer, noting that delays this season disrupted proper planning and threatened productivity. They also called for increased support in accessing farming inputs and technical advisory services to improve yields.

Meanwhile, K Unity Business Development Manager Joseph Nderitu encouraged parents and guardians to guide youth on accessing the SACCO’s newly launched Youth Biz loans. These non-collateral loans, offering up to Ksh500,000, are designed to support startups and entrepreneurship among young people, with the goal of creating sustainable employment opportunities. Nderitu emphasized that the program would enable the youth to develop viable businesses in agriculture, trade, and other sectors, complementing national efforts to empower young entrepreneurs.

The forum highlighted the need for synergy between government agencies, SACCOs, and farmers to address challenges in the tea sector while creating avenues for youth empowerment. Farmers expressed optimism that with prompt government action and SACCO support, the community could overcome current challenges and boost production.