Kenya Tea Development Authority in Nyamira risks losing billions of shillings, as tea farmers from the area are increasingly getting lured by open markets commonly known as ‘Soko Huru’ from the neighbouring Bomet and Kericho counties.
According to tea farmers, KTDA tremendously reduced their annual bonuses, forcing them to revert to free markets which they argue are faster and reliable.
Unlike in KTDA where farmers have to wait till end month to get their dues; and bonuses later at the end of the year, open markets offer them their income on a daily basis, based on the number of kilograms they pluck and subsequent bonuses in every mid-year.
Speaking on Monday at Mwongori village during a massive launching exercise to lure farmers to join free markets, Sotik Tea chairman Francis Boit said they had no bad intentions since their business is legal.
“We have nothing to fear at all and that is why we are recruiting farmers who have been mistreated by their previous clients. We will offer better services and we will do it according to the law,” he said.
However, Nyansiongo Tea factory board chairman Christopher Nyakora criticized their competitors and threatened to take a legal suit against them.
“They are blind folding our customers. We gave little bonuses last year since tea business was staggering at the global stage. We are annoyed with the propaganda they are spreading and soon we will instigate legal pursuit against them,” said Nyakora.