The long drought that has been experienced in Kisii and Nyamira counties is greatly affecting the economy of the region, considering that tea production in the area has hugely reduced.
According to Kisii County Agriculture officer James Manono, the farmers have experienced a low harvest for the last three months, which will directly affect their income considering tea farming is the main cash crop income in the area.
Manono added that tea production in the counties is the biggest earning income, and this will decline as much as 12 percent in the next few months if the drought persists.
“The two counties relies on agriculture for a quarter of their gross domestic product and half its exports. And the economy of the area will reduce but we expect this rain shortage to end soon,” said Manono
According to Albert Obiro, a tea farmer in Ogembo sub-county, they have experienced a low harvest since the drought set in, and adds that it has affected his produce.
“The short drought that has hit the county in the last four months has really lowered our tea production, and we hope for the best in the next few months because tea is our only cash crop in the county,” said Obiro.