Farmers from Kambaa and Kagwe tea factories in Kiambu county have expressed optimism and satisfaction in the transformation of the tea sector brought about by the ongoing tea reforms.
The farmers who had an engagement with the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operative Societies Cabinet Secretary (CS), Peter Munya on Saturday, acknowledged that the new measures that the government has put in place in the tea and coffee sectors, will greatly help reduce their losses, even as the economy continues to bite.
During the meeting, Munya asked the courts that have been listening to the cases aligned to the Kenya Tea Development Agency Limited, to fast-track the process, although he noted that most farmers had agreed among themselves for the cases to be quashed during their Annual Delegates meeting.
“KTDA should withdraw those legal cases currently weighing their operation down. Farmers cannot move on, if they get peanuts and that is why we have to ensure loopholes that have been denying them money are closed,” said the CS.
Petitions filed in court by KTDA, has continued to block full implementation of new changes in the Tea sector, thus disadvantaging farmers who are eager and ready for the changes in the sector.
According to Munya, farmers are investors just like others and would want their business to thrive, while the government is there to ensure that there is a good environment for them to work in.
“Through reforms, the new law has reduced what we pay to the brokers and farmers are saving around Sh1 million.
What used to be given to KTDA has also gone down and once those cases by KTDA are over, since they are the ones driving them, money will reach out to the farmers,” he said.
Some of the reforms that have so far bore tangible results include establishment of the Minimum Reserve Price at the Mombasa Tea Auction, reduction of brokerage and management agency fees as well as increase of payment to tea small holder growers.
The reforms have so far bore tangible results including but not limited to; the establishment of the Minimum Reserve Price at the Mombasa Tea Auction that has seen the stability of prices at the auction, reduction of brokerage and management agency fees and the increase of payment to tea smallholder growers.
The CS has also clarified that subsidised fertiliser will be accessed at the NCPB stores and each farmer will only be allowed to purchase a maximum of 10 bags 5 for planting and 5 for top dressing. This will ensure fair distribution to farmers.
