Tea Matters: Farmers speak

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.