This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
As the country continues to grapple with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of small-scale tea farmers are facing a new challenge - the suspension of subsidised fertiliser imports.
According to reports, the Kenya Tea Development Agency suspended importation of the subsidised commodity, citing disruptions and uncertainties caused by global lockdowns aimed at containing the pandemic.
As a result, the price of fertiliser has skyrocketed, with a 50 kilogramme bag now retailing at Sh1,000 more than before. This has made it difficult for the farmers to afford the vital input, which is essential for the production of tea.
Tea is a significant contributor to Kenya's gross domestic product and export earnings, and the government should take immediate action to address the farmers' woes.
It is estimated that the 600,000 farmers who rely on the subsidised fertiliser will have to refund Sh1.3 billion that they had contributed over the past year for purchasing the input.
Therefore, we urge the main stakeholders to sit down with the growers and find a way of enabling them to get access to the key input. The sector is critical for the country's economic growth, and no effort should be spared to minimise the farmers' pain.
