Tea
growers tells KTDA off
Tea growers in Murang’a have supported
government sponsored in the sector.
The growers said they were in support of
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya committee, as they dismissed efforts
employed by Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) to derail the reforms process.
The representative led by Moffat Mbue and
Wambugu Gachunji said they have confidence in the tea reforms implementation
committee appointed by Munya, saying the agency was a big letdown.
Speaking at Kenol Market, the
representatives accused the agency over failure to address their plight for
decades, despite their repeatedly calls for reforms.
They
said there are disturbed after the agency moved to court to challenge the
government reform agenda, designed to improve performance in the sector.
Those fighting the regulations are the
agency and East African Tea Trade Association, due to their selfish interests.
A section of tea growers in Kangema broke
from the agency and signed a contract with privately Ngorongo tea factory in
Kiambu county four years ago.
The growers said the move to liberate them
from yolk of the agency started at Kiru tea factory in Mathioya by Chaired by
Chege Kirundi after they sacked company secretary Kennedy Omanga and replaced
him.
Munya said
the regulations are aimed at
protecting farmers by dismantling cartels that control the multi-billion sector of the
economy.
Members
of the committee will be led by Jacob Kamau Kihiu, David Chomba, Catherine Nyamboke,
Wanja Michuki, former Principal
Secretary Irungu Nyakera, former MP Langat Magerer, Fredrick Muthuri and
journalist John Kamau.
Three months ago, Chairman of Aberdare and
Mt Kenya Tea Growers Association Wambugu Gachunji welcomed the regulations
instituted by the government saying after decades the growers will enjoy fruits
of their produce.
