- It is the second instance that farmers are participating in this voting method as part of the KTDA reforms.
- Reports, however, indicate a notably low turnout in most areas
Image: TEA BOARD OF KENYA/FB
The election of KTDA directors in areas where the voting failed to take place Friday is currently underway.
The exercise which began at 7 am is set to end at 3 pm, electoral agency IEBC which is conducting the exercise said in a statement.
Reports, however, indicate a notably low turnout in most areas.
Contrary to the previous system where votes were based on shareholding, one farmer will only represent one vote.
It is the second instance that farmers are participating in this voting method as part of the KTDA reforms.
IEBC postponed voting in 50 of the 54 smallholder tea factories across 15 counties citing logistical issues.
“Due to unprecedented logistical hitches in the production and delivery of election materials, the election did not happen in some factories," IEBC CEO Hussein Marjan said.
The exercise was conducted in Momul, Tegat/Toror, Litein/Chelal, Kapkatet/Tebesonik and Kapkoros/Tirgaga/Motigo Olenguruone of Chesoen, Sibaiyan, Olenguruone and Mugango/Kiromwok electoral areas.
Marjan had assured the stakeholders that the exercise would be free, fair and credible.
The elections follow a court directive issued on April 11 this year following wrangles between KTDA and former directors.
IEBC's supervision of the polls is part of the ongoing reforms in the tea sub-sector.
The commission will handle dispute resolution functions that may emerge from the process.
Areas where voting is currently taking place are Kambaa, Kagwe, Gachege, Mataara, Ngere, Njunu, Nduti, Makomboki, Ikumbi, Gacharage, Kanyenyaini, Githambo, Kiru, Gatunguru Gitugi, Iriaini, Ragati, Chinga, Gathuthi, Kimunye, Thumaita, Ndima, Kangaita, Mununga, Rukuriri, Kathangariri and Mungania.
Others are Weru, Kinoro, Kionyo, Imenti, Githongo, Mickimikuru, Kiegoi, Kapset/Rorok, Gianchore, Nyansiongo/Matunwa, Tombe/Sombogo, Nyankoba, Kebirigo, Sanganyi, Ogembo,/Eberege, Kiamokama/Rianyamwamu, Nyamache/Itumbe, Mudete, Kapsara, Chebut/Kaptumo, Mogogosiek/Boito/Kobel and Kapkoros/Tirgaga/ Motigo/Olenguruone in Ndaraweta, Ndaraweta, Singorwet and Tegat/Chemaner.