By The Weekly Vision Reporter
Tea farmers drawn from ten factories within the Kericho–Bomet–Nandi tea belt (Zones 2 and 3) have strongly condemned what they described as reckless and divisive remarks made by the Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr Paul Rono.
Speaking to the media, the farmers accused Dr Rono of undermining the independence of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) and meddling in matters he “hardly understands.” They urged him to respect KTDA’s governance structures and to refrain from politicising the tea sector.
One farmer openly challenged Dr Rono to “get off tea politics altogether,” alleging that his recent public statements betray an intention to vie for the Kericho gubernatorial seat. The farmers warned that such political undertones risk destabilising the tea industry at a time when growers are working hard to restore stability and improve earnings.
Another farmer appealed directly to President William Ruto to halt the proposed plan to deduct KSh3 per kilogram from farmers, a motion reportedly being advanced in Parliament. He urged the Head of State to intervene and instruct the PS to stop politicising a sector already strained by fluctuating global prices and internal inefficiencies.
The farmers further called for the reinstatement of the Rainforest Alliance certification, saying it had previously enhanced both tea quality and international market confidence. They insisted that sustainability and quality assurance standards must be restored to preserve Kenya’s reputation as a global leader in premium tea production.
Several farmers cautioned that they would not hesitate to call a sector-wide strike should the proposed deduction proceed or if the PS continues interfering in KTDA affairs. They also declared firm opposition to any attempts to undermine the authority of their duly elected subsidiary directors, emphasising that KTDA’s governance system “belongs to farmers and must remain autonomous.”
They urged Dr Rono to focus on uniting tea-growing regions and improving quality standards instead of sowing division. The farmers specifically challenged him to help western tea zones adopt picking practices similar to those in the eastern regions to maintain uniformity and ensure premium market quality.
Some farmers accused the PS of owning a private tea factory that allegedly collects machine-picked leaves of poor quality, contributing to depressed market prices. They questioned his moral authority to lecture genuine farmers on management while “his own operations compromise standards.”
Expressing confidence in the ongoing tea reforms, the farmers lauded KTDA Board Chairman Mr. Chege Kirundi for his ‘Farmers First’ philosophy, which they said promotes accountability, transparency, and better returns for smallholders.
They also voiced strong opposition to the planned audit of subsidiary factories, warning that it could erode the confidence of international buyers and deter potential investors. They maintained that all performance reviews should be handled strictly within KTDA’s internal governance structures, free from political interference.
In conclusion, the farmers from Zones 2 and 3 reminded Dr. Rono that his mandate as Principal Secretary is to focus on policy formulation, market expansion, and sectoral reforms, not political maneuvering. They reaffirmed their unity and readiness to resist any actions that undermine their democratic gains within KTDA and the broader tea sector.
