Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has issued a stern warning to tea factories involved in the hawking of green leaf, vowing that such entities risk immediate delicensing under the Tea Act of 2020. The warning comes amid rising concerns over illegal practices that undermine the integrity of the tea value chain and the livelihoods of farmers.
Speaking during a high-level consultative meeting at Kilimo House in Nairobi, CS Kagwe emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting farmers and maintaining the quality of Kenyan tea. “Factories found perpetuating the hawking of green leaf will be delicensed in accordance with the Tea Act, 2020. This malpractice not only compromises quality but directly robs farmers of their rightful earnings,” Kagwe stated.
The meeting addressed a long-standing conflict between Kapkoros Tea Factory PLC in Bomet County and its satellite factories Motigo, Tirgaga, and Olenguruone. Farmers from Motigo and Olenguruone had recently boycotted green leaf plucking, citing frustration over delayed operational independence from Kapkoros. The protest led to significant losses, with thousands of kilos of green leaf going to waste.
The standoff has its roots in a vote taken by farmers on December 15, 2023, to separate financially and operationally from Kapkoros—a decision reaffirmed in subsequent meetings. However, the delayed implementation sparked renewed tensions.
The Nairobi meeting brought together key stakeholders including Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai, Bomet Senator Hilary Sigei, and KTDA representatives. In a show of unity, all parties agreed to a ten-point resolution to restore harmony and boost productivity.
Key resolutions include the immediate operational separation of Motigo and Olenguruone, resumption of green leaf deliveries, and issuance of smart cards for tracking and payments. The Kapkoros board has been directed to convene a Special General Meeting within 21 days to guide the transition.
Additionally, all legal cases will be withdrawn, and the group will support the construction of the Kamogoso Tea Factory. The government has also pledged funding to modernize existing factories and reduce production costs.
