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Tea farmers affiliated to Thumaita Tea Factory will resume plucking and supply of green leaf to the factory on Tuesday October 8, following successful talks to unlock second payment stalemate. This follows a successful meeting between the Thumaita Tea Factory Board of directors, farmers representatives, the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) leadership and the Tea Board of Kenya.
KTDA will submit the Thumaita Tea Factory’s books of accounts to the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) by October 9, 2024. TBK will then give feedback within 30 days. However the special general meeting that had been planned has been put on hold until TBK concludes reviewing the books of accounts.
Engineer Richard Magu, Thumaita Tea Factory Chairman, has asked farmers to quit tea hawking, assuring farmers that his board is working for the interest of the farmer. He noted that the boycott has negatively impacted farmers’ earnings.
“We have agreed to resume tea plucking as the matter is being addressed. Tea is our primary source of income,” said Simon Njagi, a tea farmer of Thumaita tea factory.
“TBK will continue to facilitate dialogue and ensure the tea sector flourishes. We are optimistic that the Thumaita Tea Factory issue will be resolved amicably,” said John Kariuki a representative from the Tea Board of Kenya.
Thumaita Tea Factory, located in Kirinyaga County plays a pivotal role in the local economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing significantly to Kenya’s Tea Industry.
