Kenyan lawmakers have launched an investigation into discrepancies in tea bonus payments between eastern and western Rift Valley farmers. Delegations visited factories to probe the variations amid accusations of mismanagement at the Kenya Tea Development Authority. Farmers demand accountability and restructuring to address their financial struggles.
The National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock began an inquiry into tea pricing in Kenya, prompted by stark differences in bonus payments to farmers in the eastern and western parts of the Rift Valley. Two delegations from the committee visited various tea factories in both regions to investigate the causes of these variations.
Committee chairperson John Mutunga, who represents Tigania West, toured the Motigo Tea Factory in Bomet County. There, he called for a complete restructuring of the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA), noting its significant role in the farmers' challenges. Lawmakers highlighted unfair KTDA representation, which leaves most farmers in the western Rift Valley without proper voice.
Farmers testified about KTDA directors' misconduct and misuse of funds, referencing a Tea Board of Kenya audit. "The audit report shows how our directors misused our money. They made decisions without our involvement and bought land without our consent. Millions have been lost through unnecessary allowances. We want investigations and apprehends," said farmer Josiah Kerich.
Rising production costs and low bonuses have caused financial hardship. "We only depend on tea. Being paid a bonus of 13 Kenyan shillings is painful. We can't pay school fees or buy food," lamented Zeddy Mausa.
Mutunga assured farmers of long-term solutions. "We know farmers are not happy. We have seen the quality of tea produced here. Our goal is to understand why the bonus payments differ and to find solutions that work for all farmers," he stated.
Robert Rono, chairperson of the Kapkoros Group of Companies, urged implementation of the 2023 Management Services Agreement between factory companies and KTDA Management Services Ltd. He pointed to regulatory failures and unfair competition from private processors, where tea regulations are not equally enforced, exacerbating the issues.