The boards of Gatunguru, Kiru and Kanyenyaini tea factories, Murang’a County have resolved to increase prices of green leaf from Ksh 21 to Ksh 25 per kilo, so as to cushion farmers from the prevailing high cost of living.
Zone Three Board member Chege Kirundi has hailed the move saying the previous price was little compared with increased cost of living, which has left majority of smallholder farmers at the mercy of loans.
Speaking in a Murang’a hotel Saturday, he said the new price will reflect during payments for the month of December production.
“Boards of the three factories have resolved to raise the price of green leaf considering financial challenges our farmers are experiencing,” said Chege, who is also chairman of Kiru Tea Factory.
The chairman said farmers should get their payment package without further delay, so they are not forced to source for expensive credit facilities.
“As we implement the reform agenda, the farmers are duty bound to receive their payment as soon as possible after sale,” said the KTDA Director.
Chege further observed that the increase of price will stop farmers from hawking their green leaf to private factories saying the move has occasioned the KTDA factories to operate below capacity
“Hawking of green has affected the operations of our factories. We hope the increased payment will stop this trend as our farmers will get increased returns,” he added.
On his part, Gatunguru tea factory Chairman Mwangi Kaguma said the resolution was entered as part of the reforms the tea sector is implementing.
“We are ready to ensure the interests of the growers are addressed to bar them from selling their produce to the hawkers who have flooded areas,” said Kaguma.
However, on their part, the Gathambo tea factory board wants the proposed increment of Ksh 4 per kilo channeled towards the end of year bonus
