Agriculture
Tea farmers from the West of Rift Small Holders Tea Factories Association have voiced their dismay over the significant drop in the cost of tea products at the Mombasa market.
Led by their chairperson, David Rono, the directors of the association have pointed fingers at the Tea Board of Kenya (KTB) and the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) for what they perceived as negligence in ensuring adherence to tea reforms.
Speaking at a conference held at the Willis Hotel in Bomet, Rono highlighted the detrimental impact of the declining tea prices on both farmers and the country’s economy.
“When the price of tea goes below the reserved price of 2.2 dollars, it is likely going to affect the income of farmers and it won’t meet the production cost of the crop,” expressed Rono noting that the price had plunged to as low as 0.8 dollars per kilogramme.
The association raised several concerns regarding the current state of the tea market and emphasized on the need for thorough due diligence by relevant government bodies to accurately determine the tea market prices at the auction port.
Rono further criticized KTDA’s failure to ensure the production and auctioning of quality tea leaves in Mombasa, a responsibility he believes falls within their mandate. He also questioned why efforts by factories to directly sell tea to interested buyers at competitive prices have been obstructed by both KTB and KTDA.
Despite extending invitations, the association noted the absence of representatives from KTB and KTDA at the conference, highlighting their disappointment at the lack of engagement from key stakeholders.
The West of Rift Small Holders Tea Factories Association comprises farmers from various counties including Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Vihiga, and Kitale. Their collective concerns underscored the urgent need for action to address the challenges facing tea farmers and ensure the sustainability of the tea industry in Kenya.