Bomet Governor, Professor Hillary Barchok, has assured tea farmers of his government’s commitment to securing reliable markets for their produce in the outside countries including Iran.
Governor Barchok told the farmers that he has been fighting for the direct sales of the Kenyan tea, something he revealed that he has succeeded and now the farmers can sell direct.
The governor revealed that efforts to allow direct sales have paid off, opening avenues to countries including Iran.
“I want to assure our farmers that we have been fighting for their efforts ever since, by fighting for the direct sales for our tea,” he stated. “I am happy to reveal to you that it is already working; our farmers are selling them directly to the auctioneer.”
He added, “I want to assure the farmers that international markets are already available for example in Iran, let no one convince you that we do not have a market.”
The county boss also noted that his administration, together with other stakeholders, will continue working tirelessly to ensure that the tea that has stagnated at the Mombasa store houses will soon be exported in order for the farmers to receive timely payments for their produce.
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“My administration will work with other stakeholders in finding the best solution for our tea that has stayed for a longer period of time in our store houses in Mombasa so that we give the money to our farmers,” Barchok said.
He attributed these market breakthroughs to the county’s sustained legal and political pressure against section 32(4) Tea Act 2020.
The Bomet County Government previously filed a petition requesting that certain sections of the Act’s implementation be declared unconstitutional.
The legal challenge specifically targeted provisions that banned direct sales and were deemed vague or restrictive to farmers’ economic freedom.
The Governor confirmed that the county successfully pushed for changes in tea sector regulations, achieving the goal of allowing factories to engage in direct sales, which he termed a significant step toward maximizing farmer benefits.
Barchok cited a major win, confirming that Bomet County exported thirteen million kilograms of tea to Iran last year.
“Let no one convince you that we do not have the markets, we are already selling our local tea internationally, last year alone, we sold thirteen million kilograms of tea to Iran ” Barchok said.
By Philip Koech
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