By Faith Mwende
Deputy President Rigathi Kindiki has reaffirmed the government’s resolve to root out cartels in the tea sector to ensure farmers receive higher bonuses following this year’s disappointing payouts.
Speaking during the Kipkelion East Economic Empowerment Forum in Londiani, Kericho County on Saturday, Kindiki said it was unacceptable that farmers were earning less despite the tea industry registering strong growth in recent years.
“Cartels have continued to sabotage efforts to streamline the tea sector. We will not sit back and watch them frustrate our farmers. The government is closing all loopholes to eliminate them completely,” said Kindiki.
The DP noted that tea earnings had risen significantly from Sh138 billion in 2023 to Sh215 billion in 2024, attributing this to reforms introduced by the government. He, however, emphasized that the gains would only be fully realized once cartels were wiped out.
“I’m fully supporting the President in the fight against these cartels because they are exploiting our farmers. Just like we took on those in the sugar sector, we’ll use the same determination to clean up the tea industry so that farmers get what’s rightfully theirs,” he added.
Kindiki outlined several ongoing reforms targeting improved farmer earnings, including enhanced transparency and accountability within KTDA-run factories, stronger marketing efforts, and diversification into high-value tea products.
“We must strengthen governance in our factories and ensure farmers have access to accurate information on tea sales and pricing. Some of the governance gaps in these factories are part of what’s holding back progress,” he observed.
He further underscored the importance of improving tea quality and adopting high-yield varieties that are more competitive globally. “We have to focus on quality and diversify into specialty teas that attract premium prices. Our goal is to make sure farmers earn more,” Kindiki remarked.
The DP also highlighted several major development projects in Kericho County valued at over Sh16.7 billion, covering housing, hostels, and market infrastructure. Under the Last Mile Electricity Programme, the government has set aside Sh1.3 billion to connect 14,000 households to the grid, with Kipkelion East receiving Sh143 million.
In addition, he announced that key road projects including the Londiani Hilltop Road linking Kericho to Uasin Gishu County have been revived after years of delay. “With our economy stabilizing, we’ve managed to secure funding to resume stalled road works, which will enhance connectivity and boost local trade,” he said.
Kindiki also revealed that Sh8 billion has been secured for the construction of the Kericho Teaching and Referral Hospital in Londiani, which will give South Rift residents easier access to specialized healthcare.
He encouraged locals to continue enrolling in the Social Health Authority (SHA) universal medical cover, lauding the county’s progress where 500,000 residents have already signed up out of a target of 900,000.
Leaders present at the event included Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, President’s Aide Farouk Kibet, and several MPs and senators from across the Rift Valley and beyond.
