Tea farmers in Kirinyaga have raised concerns over the proposed levy by the Tea Board of Kenya, saying it is intended to oppress farmers.
Led by John Mithamo Wasusana, chairman of Ndima Tea Factory and Zone 5, the farmers said that they are already suffering and do not want added hardship.
“Tea absorption in other parts of the country is 100 per cent, but in factories in Mt. Kenya it is only 22 per cent. Where are our leaders? Where do they expect us to find money for levies?” Wasusana asked.
“We must ask our government to listen to tea farmers. We are asking the CS for Agriculture, who is from this region, to tell the government that farmers must be heard.”
Farmers said the proposed levy will cut their earnings and increase their burden.
“They are telling us to stop making good tea. We need public participation. And we women are suffering from cold-related illnesses,” said Mary Muthoni.
The Kirinyaga farmers want the government to allow them to use idle stores at Sagana, previously used for coffee and maize, to export tea directly and earn more.
“Why does the government want to oppress us? Let us export from Sagana directly instead of Mombasa,” said John Mwangi.
Other farmers called for direct sales to counter the proposed levy.
“We need direct sales to counter the intended levy, and we are asking CS Mutahi to allow direct sales for all cash crops,” said Maina Murimi.
One farmer accused the government of pushing growers away from tea: “The government wants us to pull down tea and start planting coffee, or plant napier grass to farm livestock.”
