The government has been urged to provide subsidies to the tea sub-sector to boost farmers’ earnings and improve their livelihoods. Newly elected directors of Ogembo/Eberege tea factories in Kisii County argue that subsidies will lower production costs and increase profits.
Omweno Ombasa pointed out that the government already subsidizes the coffee and sugarcane sub-sectors to alleviate the burden on farmers in those areas, unlike tea farmers.
“We want fertilizer subsidies and for tea factories to have the freedom to sell processed tea without involving brokers,” Ombasa stated.
Speaking at Ogembo factory after their confirmation, the directors noted that brokers at the auction were deducting high commissions from farmers, leaving them with minimal earnings and perpetuating poverty and demoralization. They urged the Kenya Tea Board (TBK) to involve directors in decision-making processes.
