A wave of protests has erupted across tea factories in the South Rift region as farmers await the much-anticipated announcement of the final bonus payout.
The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) is expected to make this announcement this week, following the completion of annual board meetings by factory directors on Tuesday. These meetings, which took place in phases from September 9 to September 17, were held to review and approve financial records.
While the bonus rates for the 54 tea factories nationwide are set to be officially announced, sources indicate that farmers in the South Rift region may receive between Sh20 and Sh25 per kilo of green leaves delivered up to June this year. This represents a decrease from last year’s rates, which ranged from Sh30 to Sh35.
Farmers are expressing frustration over perceived transparency and fairness issues in the bonus calculation process. Tensions escalated last week, culminating in demonstrations outside various factories. Farmers are demanding explanations for the bonus calculations and why certain factories appear to receive more favorable rates.
At the Mogogosiek tea factory in Konoin, Bomet, demonstrators stormed the premises, causing damage. Similar unrest was reported at the Kapkoros and Motigo tea factories.
“We work hard every season, but our rewards are minimal,” one farmer stated. Another added, “We want to understand why our bonuses vary each year while other regions receive higher rates.”
The protests have drawn the attention of political leaders, with Konoin MP Brighton Yegon urging farmers to remain calm and seek alternative dispute-resolution methods. “I urge all farmers to exercise restraint. We will soon arrange a forum for open discussions about bonuses, separations, and other concerns,” he said.
The demonstrations come amid increasing calls from some farmers for the merging and separation of certain factories. Farmers in Kericho recently protested for the separation of the Litein and Chelal, as well as the Tegat and Toror tea factories.
In response, the agency announced plans to form a committee next week to oversee the separation process. “We will adhere to the proper procedures for separating satellite factories from their parent factories,” a statement read.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh is scheduled to visit the region on Thursday to address these issues. Bonus rates differ based on annual income, leaf quality, production costs, and the average market price of tea. Currently, farmers are paid Sh21.5 per kilo for green leaves delivered, an increase of Sh1.5 from last year’s pay.
