The management of Kiamokama Tea Factory in Kisii County has embarked on an ambitious programme to recover millions of kilogrammes of green tea leaves which they have been losing through invasion and poaching by a number of neighbouring companies targeting their farmers.
According to the factory’s Board Chairman Richard Obino, the encroachment by their competitors caused a decrease in their produce from 18 million kilogrames per year to 9.5 million kilogrammes.
Obino who was flanked by his Vice, Chrisantus Moindi said that some of the companies encroaching on their area include Nyansiongo and Nyankoba tea factories, which forced them to employ vigilantes, a move which led to the arrest of a vehicle from the factory which had already bought thirty sacks of green tea leaves in the wee hours of October 18, 2023.
Although the matter was solved following discussions between the Board from the two sides, another company, Mara Tea Company also fell victim the same week where their staff, vehicles and motor bikes were nabbed and taken to court.
Besides Mara tea Company, other campanies which have been invading their area include Ever Green Company, Majani Company, Sasini Company and Majani Chai who have been convincing farmers to register with them.
Obino said that it was regrettable for them to supply the farmers with fertilizers and other farm inputs only for them to sell the crop to different factories.
By Oanga Oyugi
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@shrendpublishers.co.ke
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
