The tea farming across Gusii region is now facing difficult challenges due to the ongoing uprooting of tea bushes across many constituencies.
Known as one of major exports from the country, tea farming is one of economic activities across Gusii region and is only rivaled by coffee farming.
And in the wake of factory bonuses across the region, a number of farmers have opted to uproot the crop due to poor returns in bonus payments.
Mr Charles Amisi, who has been in the business for over twenty years, now says the only option is to clear the bushes and 'do other meaningful economic activities'.
"KTDA is taking us for a ride. We can't just sit back and watch brokers pocketing millions where us we are getting nothing. That's why I am cutting it."
"I was expecting some good returns but we are only being given Sh19 per kilo in bonuses. Who is this out to kill our business? This is unacceptable," added Jackson Michira.
On social media sites, farmers attached to many factories expressed frustrations as videos of power saws being used to bring down tea bushes surfaced.
Mr Benson Sironga, MCA Rigoma and a director at Nyankoba tea factory, said the matter will be addressed amicably, adding that uprooting was not the solution.
"Before we give bonuses, there are many factors that we consider. This includes our success in selling end products. I don't see it necessary for farmers to uproot the crop."
But Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi on Saturday blamed tea brokers, adding that Gusii leaders will hold a crisis meeting over the poor bonuses.
"I feel bad that our crop is being taken for granted. As MPs, we are meeting this coming week in Nairobi to find a common solution," she said.
A quick look at the bonuses per factory shows Gusii region faired badly, with farmers getting between Sh11 to Sh14 per kilogram of tea in most factories.
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