Tea Farmers Struggle for Better Returns, Call for Government Support

FESTUS RONO

 

Tea farmers continue to face significant challenges, with one of the biggest concerns being the inability to reap substantial benefits from their produce.

 

Speaking to Kass TV on behalf of fellow farmers, Bernard Sang, Chairman of Boito Tea Factory, expressed frustration over their ranking in tea sales.

 

“Every week, in the tea sales report, Boito Factory is ranked around 69 or 70. We have done everything possible to improve quality, yet we still struggle,” he said.

 

 

Sang urged the government to step in and support tea farmers, acknowledging the efforts of area MP Brighton Yegon in addressing the Sh2 tax levied monthly for development projects.

 

He also noted that Koinoin MP had recently requested President William Ruto to prioritize assistance for farmers during his visit to Bomet.

 

He further backed the idea of factory separation, arguing that it would foster growth and encourage healthy competition.

 

“By allowing factories to operate independently, each one can focus on its own development and improve efficiency,” he explained.

 

 

 

The farmers also appealed to Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Agriculture, to intervene and help expedite the sale of their tea at the Mombasa auction.