The government has been called to intervene and reduce taxes levied on tea farmers, in a bid to revive the ailing industry.
Benson Thuku, the newly elected chairperson of Kachege Tea Factory said that the burden of taxes levied upon tea farmers have ‘eaten’ their profit margins.
“I urge the government to reduce or terminate some of the taxes taxed to tea farmers to give hope to the ailing industry,” said Thuku.
Thuku was speaking on Wednesday at Kachege Tea Factory, Gatundu North, during the factory's elections, where he urged the government to develop clear polices to help tea farmers reap better returns from the tea industry.
“The government should develop better polices to govern the tea industry, which is not performing well in the last years,” said Thuku.
He said such polices would facilitate the smooth flow of operations in the tea industry, further thanking the members for re-electing him, saying that they have faith in his leadership.
“My re-election as the chairman of Kachege Tea Factory attests my leadership ability in providing excellent service,” added Thuku.
He said that he would work closely with the board of directors in delivering the expectations of the members, and urged the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KDTA) to subsidize farm input to ensure tea farmers reap maximum profits.