Tea directors from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties have told the Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Rono to keep off and stop meddling with tea factories issues because the government has no powers to interfere with private entities.
The directors challenged the authority of Agriculture PS following his recent directives regarding the troubled Miciimikuru Factory. During an impromptu visit, PS Rono ordered the current board of directors to keep off the offices citing mismanagement issues. He ordered investigations into the operations of the factory and instructed a caretaker board to assume control of the factory.
However, the Zone 7 directors have asserted that the government has no authority to interfere with the management of private companies like tea factories. They argue that the PS’s actions are unwarranted and could potentially disrupt the smooth functioning of the factory.
“We are aware that certain politicians and business tycoons are manipulating the situation to secure lucrative contracts for the construction of a new tea factory. Farmers should resist attempts to politicize tea farming and protect their interests,” said zone 7 Chairman Muriki Kanyaru.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
Kenya Seed Company admits there is a shortage of maize seeds in the country
The directors said Miciimikuru has had challenges due to outdated machinery that hinders the production of high-quality tea.
Recently, a Meru court ruled in favor of the current board of directors, confirming their legitimacy and dismissing the PS’s directives.
The court emphasized that any changes in leadership must adhere to established legal procedures.
By John Majau.
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
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!
