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FARMERS: The government has reinstated its determination to reform tea and coffee sub-sectors despite the resistance from cartels who want them scuttled. 

Agriculture Cabinet secretary Peter Munya said there will be no reverse gear in the reform process which is aimed streamlining the sector and ensure the farmers get a good pay.

The CS who has pitched camps in Murang’a to popularise the proposed coffee reforms claimed that cartels have been making frantic efforts to ensure the new laws are not implemented.

He accused section of tea brokers and marketers who have moved to court to oppose the new tea regulations, saying they want to continue exploiting the farmers.

“There was adequate public participation on the laws and all stakeholders were given a chance to give their input and so I don’t understand why people would move to court” Munya said.

He urged the court to expedite the hearing and determination of the case to avoid derailing the implementation.

“The court should know the challenges the farmers go through and give the appropriate ruling” he said.

Organised crime

Munya said he would not allow organised crime to be used in controlling the sector while the farmer are sufferimg due to meager pay. 

“The farmer should also not be quiet on this matter; they should demand what is rightfully theirs” he said.

On the coffee sub-sector, Munya said Sh7 billion has been set aside to help in revitalising it. 

The funds, he said have already been factored in the budget and will be released once the new laws are enacted. 

Munya said the money will be used to buy new equipment for factories and rehabilitation of the old structures.