Tea Farmers in Kisii Region Upset Over Low Bonuses, Demand Equity

By Orenge Wycliff

Image Curtesy-Fair Use

Tea Farmers in Kisii Region Upset Over Low Bonuses, Demand Equity

Kisii, Kenya – Tea farmers in the Kisii region are expressing deep dissatisfaction over this year’s low tea bonuses, which have significantly dropped compared to previous years. Farmers from Zone 11, which includes the Kiamokama, Rianyamwamu, Itumbe, Nyamache, Ogembo, and Eberege tea factories, have received a meager Ksh. 20 per kilogram of tea, a sharp decline from last year’s Ksh. 24 and Ksh. 30 bonuses for the Nyamache and Itumbe factories.

This decline has sparked outrage among farmers, many of whom are considering abandoning tea farming altogether. Reports have emerged of farmers uprooting tea plants in frustration, particularly in the Rianyamwamu and Kiogoro areas, where emotions ran high after the announcement of this year’s bonuses. One farmer lamented, “We are disappointed with the low bonus turnover this year. We had high expectations based on last year’s better performance. Receiving Ksh. 20 this year feels like a betrayal.”

The Root Causes of Discontent

The farmers’ anger stems not only from the reduced bonuses but also from a sense of betrayal by local leaders. Many farmers had been hopeful for improved returns, especially given the investment of time and resources into their tea crops. “What is different about our tea compared to that from the Eastern region?” asked another farmer, underscoring the perceived inequities in bonus distribution.

To address the unrest, Mr. Obino Nyagwachi, the Director from the Central Zone of the Kiamokama/Rianyamwamu factories, urged farmers to remain patient. He attributed the low bonuses to a stagnation of approximately 100 million kilograms of processed tea stored at the Mombasa warehouse, much of which is sourced from the western Rift Valley. The global tea market’s focus on high-quality leaves has also placed pressure on farmers to improve their harvesting practices, with an emphasis on plucking “two leaves and a bud.”

Mr. Obino Nyagwachi, KTDA Director, Central Zone of Kiamokama/Rianyamwamu Tea Factories. Photo| Orenge Wycliff

Competition and Quality Concerns

The challenge of competition has further complicated the situation. Multinational tea processing companies are increasingly enticing farmers to sell their tea directly to them for cash, circumventing the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) buying centers. This competition poses a significant threat to the KTDA’s operations, as farmers, tempted by immediate cash payments, may choose to forgo long-term benefits.

Dr. Abel Kenyoru, Director from the Bassi Chache Zone of the Nyamache and Itumbe factories, emphasized the importance of maintaining volume in tea deliveries to the KTDA. He encouraged farmers to continue supplying their tea to KTDA to boost factory production, which, he argued, could lead to better bonuses in the future.

Dr. Abel Kenyoru, KTDA Director for Bassi Chache Zone of Nyamache/Itumbe tea Factories Photo |Orenge wycliff

However, farmers from the western Rift still feel disadvantaged compared to their counterparts in the eastern regions, who consistently report higher income levels. Despite their efforts, the income gap remains a point of frustration, contributing to the growing disillusionment among tea producers in Kisii.

 A Case of Inequity

Among the more successful tea factories in the region is Nyankoba Tea Factory, which provided its farmers with Ksh. 40 per kilogram of tea as a bonus this year—an impressive figure by local standards. Mr. Thaddeus Mose, Director for the Moturumensi Zone of the Nyankoba factory, attributes this success to the strong relationships between the factory management and the farmers.

“We have enjoyed a good relationship with our farmers. This peace has translated into better results,” he stated, expressing optimism for even greater returns in the coming years.

Thaddeus Mose, KTDA Director, Moturumensi Zone, of Nyankoba Tea Factory. Photo|Orenge Wycliff

Mose’s comments highlight a crucial aspect of the tea farming community: the need for collaborative relationships between farmers and factory management. He urged other farmers in the region to maintain their faith in tea farming, asserting that it remains the most lucrative agricultural venture available to them.

 Legislative Action for Equity

In a bid to address the disparities in tea bonuses across regions, Kitutu Masaba MP Hon. Clive Ombane Gisairo has introduced a Bill to the National Parliament seeking a review of the current tea distribution policies. The proposed legislation aims to establish equitable standards for tea farmers nationwide, ensuring that all farmers, regardless of their region, receive fair compensation for their produce.

Gisairo articulated the frustrations of the Kisii farmers, stating, “The tea farmers from the Gusii region have suffered for a long time. There is a need to address this issue once and for all.” He highlighted the extreme variance in bonuses, with some regions receiving as much as Ksh. 63 per kilogram while others struggle with payouts as low as Ksh. 20.

Future Prospects

As the farmers grapple with their current predicament, there is hope that the proposed legislation will pave the way for a more equitable distribution of tea bonuses. However, farmers are also urged to focus on improving the quality of their tea leaves, as this is a critical factor in securing better prices in the market. Education and training initiatives aimed at enhancing farming practices could play a vital role in this improvement.

The current situation serves as a reminder of the challenges facing tea farmers in Kenya, particularly in the context of global market demands and local economic realities. As they navigate these challenges, the unity and collaboration among farmers, factory management, and local leaders will be essential in advocating for their rights and ensuring a sustainable future for tea farming in the region.

Conclusion

The Kisii tea farmers are at a crossroads, confronting the dual challenges of declining bonuses and competitive pressures from multinational companies. While their frustrations are valid, the call for unity and legislative change may offer a pathway toward a more equitable and prosperous future. As the region’s farmers continue to fight for their livelihoods, the hope is that collective efforts can lead to tangible improvements in their circumstances, restoring faith in the potential of tea farming as a viable and rewarding enterprise.

By Orenge Wycliff, Reporting from Kisii Region