Tea board to audit factory workers paid without farms as government targets fraudulent earnings, boosting smallholder transparency

The Tea Board of Kenya has been directed to conduct a targeted audit of factory workers receiving payments without owning tea farms, as part of government efforts to curb fraudulent earnings and protect smallholder farmers.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh said the audit will focus on workers whose pay appears disproportionate to their farm sizes, following earlier reviews that revealed persistent irregularities. “Farmers must receive their rightful earnings. The time for practices disadvantaging smallholders is ending,” he said during an event in Narok.

Ronoh also highlighted concerns over fund management in some factories, where revenue meant for farmers has been routed to general accounts. He directed that all tea factories open independent bank accounts to ensure transparency and accountability.

The government has introduced other interventions in the sector, including subsidising fertiliser to Ksh2,500, recovering nearly Ksh2.7 billion in lost funds, eliminating taxes, and enabling direct sales via a pending parliamentary bill. Ronoh also announced efforts to secure additional international markets, including a forthcoming visit to Iran.

President William Ruto recently reported a 56% increase in tea revenue, from Ksh138 billion in 2022 to Ksh215 billion in 2024, highlighting the government’s commitment to boosting production and farmer earnings.