Deputy President Kithure Kindiki Saturday assured tea farmers of the government’s firm commitment to eliminate cartels in the sector in a bid to increase bonuses following depressed pay this year.
Kindiki said farmers received lower bonuses this year despite the sector reporting notable growth over the last two years because of reforms instituted by the administration.
He spoke on Saturday when he graced Kipkelion East Economic Empowerment Engagement in Londiani, Kericho County.
“We have many cartels that are sabotaging efforts to streamline the tea industry. We will not allow them to continue to frustrate our tea farmers.
We are working on sealing all the loopholes to eliminate the cartels,” he said.
The DP said earnings in the sector had grown from Sh138 billion in 2023 to Sh215 billion in 2024 saying the government will intensify efforts to solidify gains already made, promising relentless fight against the cartels.
“I am working hard to support the President to fight cartels in the sector because they are hurting our farmers and reaping where they have not sown.
The way we fought cartels in the sugar sector, we will deploy the same energy, led by the President, to wipe them out in the tea sector and ensure farmers get their rightful earnings,” DP stated.
The DP revealed salient issues that are being addressed to ensure improved bonuses in the coming years among them improving governance and transparency in KTDA factories, increased sales and marketing and diversification.
