The Mountain Journal
KTDA Holding directors and the small holder factories chairpersons met in Naivasha where the issues pertaining the alleged payment of Sh 322.5 million took the centre stage.
In the two days forum, KTDA Chairman Enos Njeru affirmed the organisation’s commitment to protect the farmers interests, as he rubbished the reports that circulated in social media platforms in the week.
He called on the tea farmers, directors, management and other stakeholders to remain firm and united and not allow disagreements, allegations or external pressure to divide them, or distract them from the fundamental task of improving the welfare of the tea farmer.
Njeru closed the three-day Culture Change Training Programme for the KTDA Holdings Board and Factory Chairmen, where he emphasized the importance of embracing change, strengthening leadership and fostering a culture that puts farmers and the organisation’s growth at the centre.
“This week, there have been several reports circulating on social media platforms and in sections of the print media concerning alleged irregular or illegal payments to one of our fertilizer suppliers amounting to approximately Sh. 322.5 million, as well as other allegations relating to the affairs and operations of the KTDA,” said Mr Njeru.
He added that they have a fiduciary duty to the tea farmers they represent and decisions made must be guided by the interests, welfare and sustainability of the Kenyan tea farmer.
He affirmed that they took note of the concerns and allegations regarding the alleged payment of Sh. 322.5 million, together with other alleged payments, adding that the matter was under investigation by the DCI.
“ We respect the investigative process and shall allow the competent authorities to complete their work, establish the facts and issue their findings,” said Njeru.
He was responding to concerns that had been raised earlier in the week by Kiru Tea Factory Chairman Chege Kirundi and also a KTDA Holding director concerning the Sh 322.5 million payment to a contractor engaged to import fertiliser.
He however warned the stakeholders, individuals, nor groups interests should not be allowed to supersede the interests of the 700,000 tea farmers, whose livelihoods depend on this industry.
“Any attempt to divide farmers, weaken their institutions or undermine the systems through which they collectively manage their tea business must be examined carefully,” he emphasized .
Our shareholders should therefore remain vigilant and united. KTDA belongs to the tea farmers, and the leadership is determined and will do everything within the law and through proper governance structures to protect their interests, their investments and the sustainability of their business.
The officials were informed that the much-anticipated smallholder tea farmers’ fertilizer will be arriving early next month
“ The timely delivery will ensure our farmers are well-prepared to boost productivity for the upcoming season,” he said.
