I thank the tea farmers and shareholders of Kionyo Tea Factory for the dialogue and eventual agreement on the issues they discussed with the factory management. The issues raised by the farmers are genuine and needs to be looked into by the concerned. What is important to note is that we need to approach the whole issue with caution to avoid any losses especially to the poor farmer. Interaction between the Directors and the farmers they represent should be enhanced to close the emerging gap. I have the plight of farmers at heart and I have personally presented a petition in Parliament to ask the intervention of Agriculture CS on the review of the regressive ad valorem levy (money used by the Tea Board of Kenya and the Tea Research Foundation), removal of VAT on locally consumed Kenyan tea and creating a fund to cushion farmers when tea prices go down below the cost of production. I have interacted with both the CS Agriculture and CS Treasury thro the Parliamentary committee on Agriculture on these issues. The written submission of my petition will be presented to the floor of the house probably by next week As I struggle to fight for our green gold, I request for patience from our farmers as I start serious engagements with the management of our three factories namely; Kinoro, Kionyo and Imenti and address all the concerns presented to them. I request for cooperation from all the stakeholders as we look for a lasting solution. Thank you!!
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 17:34:53 +0000