Directors of smallholder tea factories companies in Mt Kenya, led by Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe, voiced concern over the resurgence of cartels in the sector, aiming to disrupt government-led reforms and jeopardize growers’ earnings.
The directors, representing Zones 1 to 7, emphasized the influence of these well-connected cartels in undermining the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate tea farming and ensure fair returns for farmers.
Speaking at a meeting in Kenol town, Murang’a county, Kagombe, also a director at Theta and Ndarugu tea factories in Zone 1 (Kiambu county), highlighted the substantial increase in farmers’ earnings from Sh43 billion to about Sh80 billion, attributed to recent reforms and improved management.
Expressing dismay over the interference of cartels in farmers’ affairs, Kagombe warned against their malicious intent to siphon off the increased earnings. He stressed that the impending June bonus, anticipated to be the largest since the inception of Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA), is a prime target for these cartels.
Moreover, the directors criticized the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) for overstepping its mandate by meddling in the elections of smallholder tea factory directors. They asserted that such interference threatens the autonomy of the factories and ultimately affects tea farmers.
In a unified statement, the directors issued a stern warning to TBK, demanding it refrain from intervening in the electoral processes of smallholder tea factories.
The directors further announced their resolve to lead farmers in protests against a controversial scheme to pay Sh560 million to lawyers, cautioning KTDA Holdings management against disbursing the funds without farmers’ consent. They underscored the sacred nature of farmers’ earnings and pledged legal action against any unauthorized payments.
Former KTDA chairman David Ichoho, echoing the directors’ concerns, appealed for government intervention to safeguard the interests of the seven million tea farmers. He emphasized the pivotal role of these reforms in bolstering the sector’s resilience and cautioned against allowing cartels to undermine these efforts.
Directors Gwaragwara Nkosi of Kionyo tea factory in Meru and Mithamo wa Susana of Ndima tea factory in Embu joined the chorus, urging swift government action to avert further harm to the tea sector.
