Tea farmers from Seretut Zone have opposed plans by KTDA to expand Momul tea factory instead of constructing a satellite factory. They want KSH 1 Billion, which is already deducted, to be used to set up a new factory.
Mike Ruto, a tea farmer in the area, said the new factory directors are going against the proposals made during the 2013 AGM to establish a satellite factory. He said a technical committee from KTDA had earlier evaluated and surveyed a 11 acre land at Seretut where a new factory was proposed to be constructed.
Ruto said farmers’ money has been used in the valuation and surveying of the land and will go to waste if the factory will not be constructed.
George Lang’at, ML 21 tea buying center chairman, said agriculture CS Peter Munya has brought reforms to the sector and some few individuals should not take farmers back, calling on area leaders to intervene.
Joel Kirui, also a tea farmer, said the factory has so far deducted about KSH. one billion from farmers since 2013 and a new factory should be set up and not an expansion in the factory.
The farmers’ representatives were speaking at Kaplutiet tea buying center in Belgut after holding a meeting.