This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
Small-scale tea farmers affiliated to Kapkatet Tea Factory in Kericho county are up in arms over the county government's failure to release their cess funds.
The funds, amounting to Sh71 million, are meant to improve impassable roads in the area, but Governor Paul Chepkwony has yet to release them.
During a farmers' general meeting at the factory grounds, the farmers challenged the governor to explain why he has not disbursed the money, which has been sitting in the county account for some time.
According to Kapkatet Tea Factory directors, the governor has not released the funds to the respective factories, leaving the farmers to suffer the consequences of impassable roads.
As the standoff between the governor and the farmers continues, Governor Chepkwony is pushing for the auction of tea in Kericho town to serve the western part of the Rift Valley. However, a section of farmers appears to be supporting his idea.
But the management of Kapkatet Tea Factory, led by regional manager Charles Manegene, has rubbished the decision, saying it is pointless to have an auction in Kericho when all other competitors are selling in Mombasa.
KTDA directors in Kericho county, including vice-chairman Philip Ng'etich and director Weldon Maritim, have previously called for the speedy disbursement of the funds, warning that failure to do so would lead to legal action.
