- Kagombe will serve for another three years as the director of Ndaragu Tea factory after he was re-elected as the director
- He said the government has implemented a number of reforms that have improved farmers' earnings
Image: JOHN KAMAU
Tea farmers in Gatundu South have shifted focus on value addition to improve earnings.
They said if fully adopted, value addition will double earnings and establish new markets for Kenyan tea brands.
Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe said Kenya is poised to compete with China and Sri Lanka due to its quality tea.
Kagombe will serve for another three years as the director of Ndaragu Tea factory after he was re-elected as the director.
He said the government has implemented a number of reforms that have improved farmers' earnings.
Some of the reforms include sealing l loopholes and doing away with cartels in the tea sector.
He said 98 per cent of tea produced in the country is sold at the Mombasa auction in bulk.
“Packaging, branding and blending have the highest potential of increasing Kenya’s tea earnings. Other tea varieties such as purple tea, black orthodox, green orthodox and green CTC tea also have the potential of increasing our tea earnings,” Kagombe said.
The MP said smallholder tea factories have started to produce the orthodox tea that fetches high prices in the international markets.
An orthodox tea production line being installed at Ndarugu tea factory, will begin operations in January next year.
Kagombe said the Kenya Kwanza government is planning to source for more markets the tea research and value addition centre in Kericho is completed.
“The government is committed to improve the tea sector for the sake of our farmers, create employment and improve the country’s economy,” he said.
Kagombe called for investment of more resources into tea research and innovations to improve quality and quantity.
Former Kenya Tea Development Agency chairperson David Ichoho was reelected as a director o Theta Tea Factory.
He said he will work with the government and other partners to search for new tea markets.
“We will also implement the management agreement from August 1, which will fetch farmers Sh6 more on every kilogramme of green leaf. On the other hand we will work closely with our the ambassadors to expand our markets in other nations,” Ichoho said.
He said farmers will earn an increased tea bonus in October following increased production and production of high quality tea.
Ichoho said proper plans have been put in place to ensure all tea farmers receive adequate and subsidised fertiliser before the onset of rains.
Tea farmers led by Susan Nyambura and Daniel Mukuha urged elected leaders to champion for creation of value in tea that will put all farmers on the table and ensure that tea is the most consumed non-alcoholic beverage.
They called on partners such as KTDA and Tea Board of Kenya to support the endeavor to ensure better earnings for farmers
Kagombe said he will tender his candidature for the KTDA's chairmanship position, in an election that will be held later this year.
Image: JOHN KAMAU