Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, represented by Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki, has pledged a relentless fight against tea cartels to improve farmers’ bonuses. Speaking during the Kipkelion East Economic Empowerment Engagement in Londiani, Kericho County, Prof. Kindiki said the government is determined to protect farmers from exploitation.
The DP noted that despite reforms in the past two years boosting the sector’s earnings from Sh138 billion in 2023 to Sh215 billion in 2024, farmers received depressed bonuses this year due to cartel activities and governance loopholes.
“We have many cartels sabotaging the tea industry. The way we fought cartels in the sugar sector, we will use the same energy to wipe them out in tea and ensure farmers get their rightful earnings,” said the DP.
Key reforms being pursued include improving governance and transparency in KTDA factories, enhancing sales and marketing strategies, and diversifying into specialty teas with higher global demand. Prof. Kindiki also urged farmers to adopt high-yield clones to improve quality and fetch better international prices.
Beyond tea reforms, the DP highlighted several development projects in Kericho County worth Sh16.7 billion, covering affordable housing, hostels, and fresh produce markets. Under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, Sh1.3 billion has been allocated to connect 14,000 households to electricity, with Kipkelion East receiving Sh143 million.
The government has also revived stalled road projects, including the Londiani-Hilltop Road, and allocated Sh8 billion for the Kericho Teaching and Referral Hospital to provide specialized healthcare in the South Rift.
Prof. Kindiki further encouraged locals to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) universal medical cover, noting that 500,000 residents are already registered against a target of 900,000.
The event was attended by top leaders including Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, MPs, and a host of MCAs.
