Directors call for tea sector subsidies

The government has been urged to offer subsidies to the tea sub-sector to boost farmers’ earnings and improve their lives.

Newly elected directors of Ogembo/Eberege tea factories in Kisii County said subsidies will reduce production costs and enhance their profits. Omweno Ombasa said the government is already subsidizing the coffee and sugarcane sub-sectors, to ease the burden on farmers in those areas, unlike tea farmers.

 “We want fertilizer subsidized and tea factories given the leeway to sell processed tea without involving brokers,” Ombasa stated

. The director, along with colleagues, spoke at Ogembo factory after their confirmation noting that brokers at the auction were deducting high commissions from farmers, leaving them with minimal earnings and perpetuating poverty and demoralization. Kenya Tea Board (TBK) was urged to involve directors in decision-making processes