Tea farmers in Bomet County have called for urgent reforms in the tea sector to address disparities in bonus payments and improve farmer welfare.
During a tea farmers consultative meeting held in Mogogosiek in Konoin sub county, Bomet county, the growers voiced concern over wide differences in bonus payments across factories despite similar production levels and market conditions.
They demanded transparency from the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) and other stakeholders on how bonuses are determined.
Paul Korir, who read the farmers resolutions, said farmers were growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of accountability in the management of the tea industry.
He noted that while tea remains the backbone of the South Rift economy, the people who grow it continue to earn the least.
“We are not against the system, but we want fairness and openness. Farmers must know how much their tea is sold for and how the bonus is calculated. The era of secrecy and exploitation must come to an end,” Korir said.
The meeting by farmers, this representatives and political leaders discussed several issues affecting the sector under the theme “Tea Bonus Disparities and Farmers Welfare.”
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Key proposals included the establishment of a West of Rift Tea Auction, aimed at decentralizing the marketing system to reduce logistical costs and ensure farmers benefit directly from competitive pricing.
Farmers also called for a factory efficiency audit to examine operational costs and explore alternative power sources such as solar energy to lower production expenses.
The forum urged the government to review the loan burden on tea factories and extend support to struggling facilities through subsidies or affordable credit. Farmers further pushed for market diversification, encouraging direct exports and sales to improve profitability and reduce dependency on traditional markets.
On quality testing, the meeting proposed the adoption of scientific tea testing methods to replace the traditional human testing process, saying it would ensure objectivity and consistency in grading.
Former Boito MCA Robert Bett outlined actionable steps and timelines for follow-up.
He emphasized the need for unity among growers to strengthen their voice and ensure implementation of the agreed reforms.
“Our message is clear — we want accountability, efficiency, and fairness. These resolutions represent the collective voice of Bomet tea farmers,” said Bett
By our reporter
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