This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
Every year, the payment of tea bonuses in October brings a surge of women to Bomet Town, seeking to capitalize on the generosity of local farmers.
According to reports, these women travel from as far as Mombasa to take advantage of farmers who squander their bonuses in a short span of time.
As a result, lodging rooms in Bomet town are fully booked, mirroring the trend in other trading centers like Silibwet, Mogogosiek, and Kapkwen.
Bomet Central Police Commander Musa Imamai Omar has cautioned farmers against the risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash, warning that they risk losing their hard-earned money to both the women and marauding gangs.
Historically, tea farmers have been known to splurge on drinks and roasted goat meat in Bomet Town and its surroundings whenever tea bonuses are paid.
Additionally, the women are also known to take advantage of the wheat-harvesting season in Narok County, which typically occurs between July and August.
Commander Omar has advised farmers to engage in more productive activities instead of reckless drinking and merry-making, which can have negative consequences on their families.
