Patmoz
Farmers Accuse PS of Interference, Demand President’s Intervention
Tea farmers from Zones 2 and 3 have strongly condemned Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Rono, accusing him of political interference in the operations of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) and making divisive remarks that threaten to destabilize the sector.
Speaking during a joint press briefing, representatives from ten tea factories criticized the PS for what they termed “reckless and politically motivated comments” and urged him to respect KTDA’s independence. They further called on President William Ruto to intervene and stop what they described as attempts to politicize the management of farmers’ institutions.
The farmers also opposed the proposed KSh 3 per kilogram deduction from farmers’ produce, saying it would worsen their already strained financial situation. They demanded the reinstatement of the Rainforest Alliance certification, noting that it previously enhanced Kenya’s global competitiveness and sustainability standards.
Some farmers alleged that Dr. Rono harbors political ambitions for the Kericho gubernatorial seat, warning that his continued involvement in tea politics risks eroding progress made in stabilizing the industry.
Former KTDA National Chairman and Gitwe Tea Factory Director David Muni Ichoho traced the sector’s challenges to politically driven changes following the 2023 Kericho Tea Conference, which he said disrupted effective leadership structures.
“The crisis began after the June 2023 conference, when performing leadership was replaced by politically influenced appointments. Recovery will take years unless urgent reforms are instituted,” Ichoho said.
He praised KTDA Board Chairman Chege Kirundi for championing accountability and farmer-centered reforms and urged unity among growers to safeguard gains made through sector reforms.
