By Eutychus Ngechu In Kangari,
Tea Farmers across the country are brimming in excitement and optimism, celebrating a new chapter in the Tea industry.
The shift comes as a result of recent government-brokered mediation, facilitated by the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), that has led to a groundbreaking agreement.
At the end of June, small scale holder tea factories will hold directors elections, followed by KTDA Holdings elections a month after.
In the contest the current director will wrestle with the former with the winning team taking control in the management of the lucrative sector in the national economy.
One of the most notable aspects of this agreement is the introduction of a new voting system. Instead of the previous mlolongo voting system, which some criticized for its flaws, the upcoming elections will adhere to the “One Man, One Vote” principle which has been welcomed by hundreds of growers.
The TBK will oversee the election and nominate an independent election body that will conduct elections, ensuring transparency and fairness through secret ballot.
In Makomboki tea factory, a philanthropist, Erastus Mûirûrî and a large-scale tea farmer in Kangari Catchment is among farmers eying to contest the directorship.
Muiruri says he has a track record of establishing additional tea buying centres, and improving them.
Tea buying centres are already connected with electricity and multitude of youth and women connected to job opportunities.
“ I will work towards the creation of employment opportunities, targeting the youth and women with the catchment. It is time for growers to vote purposefully, recognizing that their votes can ignite a transformative process,” urged Mûirûrî.
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