Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) for mismanaging farmers’ funds. He noted that despite the government’s focus on the tea sector, farmers are not benefiting. Audits show KTDA is not protecting farmers from exploitation or securing good prices.
Speaking in Mombasa at a KTDA directors’ meeting, Gachagua highlighted wasteful spending on local and international trips. He said KTDA spent over Sh44 million on foreign travel between January and June this year. Gachagua stressed the need to monitor KTDA’s spending to ensure accountability.
“This is farmers’ money, not private funds,” Gachagua said. He warned that the government will hold KTDA accountable. He expects the agency to show discipline, reliability, and trustworthiness.
Gachagua also pointed out areas of waste like travel expenses, legal fees, and car hire. He called for a forensic audit of KTDA’s subsidiaries to cut those not benefiting farmers. “We must focus on managing tea factories and selling tea,” he added.
The Deputy President stressed the need for the government, KTDA, and farmers to work together. DP also reminded directors that their main job is to serve the farmers. He urged them to produce high-quality tea to ensure better returns.
Gachagua also called on the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) to enforce quality standards. said factories and brokers who fail to meet these standards should lose their licenses.
He criticized the high prices of subsidized fertilizer, despite government efforts to make it affordable. He emphasized the need for up-to-date soil testing to ensure the fertilizer is effective.
Gachagua urged TBK to oversee Direct Sales Overseas (DSO) to ensure timely sales and payments. He warned against using DSO for speculation. Decisions should be based on facts, not assumptions.
