Soapstone brokers who have been exploiting workers in Tabaka, South Mugirango Constituency have been put on notice.
Speaking on Monday at Tabaka during a public participation forum for the construction of a proposed soapstone value addition centre, Kisii County Governor James Ongwae said brokers who have been conning workers must keep off the county before the law catches up with them.
The governor noted that the exploitation of workers by the brokers was affecting revenue collection in the county.
"My government has not been able to collect revenue because brokers have taken root in the soapstone business. I am warning some individuals exploiting soapstone workers to stop immediately before the law catches up with them," he stated.
He urged residents who have ventured into the soapstone business not to entertain brokers who seek to buy their products at cheap prices.
"The brokers have turned into thieves. They steal soapstone from Tabaka and sell it to buyers in South Africa, Uganda and China at expensive prices. I will not allow workers who work tirelessly to continue being exploited," he added.
Ongwae assured residents that once the proposed soap stone centre is constructed, more job opportunities will be created for locals.