A parliamentary inquiry into the widening differences in tea bonus payments across Kenya has begun, with farmers urging the government to implement the Tea Board of Kenya audit report. The National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock is seeking answers on why farmers in the eastern and western Rift Valley continue to receive vastly different bonus payouts despite producing the same crop.
During separate visits to factories in the two regions, lawmakers met with farmers who said the disparities have plunged many households into financial distress. Committee chairperson John Mutunga, while touring Motigo Tea Factory in Bomet County, emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), arguing that long-standing structural issues have contributed significantly to farmers’ frustrations.
Farmers in the western Rift Valley said they feel underrepresented within KTDA structures. They also accused factory directors of mismanagement and misuse of resources, claims backed by findings from the Tea Board audit.
“The audit report shows how our directors misused our money. They made decisions without involving us and bought land without our consent. Millions have been wasted on unnecessary allowances. We want investigations and arrests,” said farmer Josiah Kerich.
Beyond governance challenges, farmers highlighted escalating production costs and declining bonuses, with some receiving as little as KSh 13 per kilogram.
“We only depend on tea. Being paid a bonus of 13 shillings is painful. We can’t pay school fees or buy food,” lamented farmer Zeddy Mausa.
Mutunga assured farmers that the committee aims to identify long-term solutions that will ensure fair compensation for all growers. Meanwhile, Kapkoros Group of Companies chairperson, Robert Rono, called for the full implementation of the 2023 Management Services Agreement between factories and KTDA Management Services Ltd. He also warned that regulatory gaps and unfair competition from private processors are worsening the situation.
The committee is expected to table its findings and recommendations once the inquiry concludes.
