Meru, Kenya — Leaders in the tea sector have cautioned Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba against what they termed as misleading tea farmers over claims of proposed new levies in the Tea Bill currently before the Senate.
The warning was issued during a high-level tea industry stakeholders’ meeting held at Imenti Tea Factory, which brought together tea factory directors and Members of Parliament from Meru County. The forum focused on the proposed Tea Bill, with emphasis on farmer welfare, taxation, and the sustainability of tea farming.
The meeting was attended by directors from Zone 7 tea factories — Imenti, Githongo, Kionyo, Kinooro, and Weru — and was hosted by South Imenti MP Dr Shadrack Mwiti.
National Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair and Tigania West MP Dr John Mutunga strongly dismissed claims that the proposed Tea Bill introduces a Sh3.85 levy per kilogram of tea. Dr Mutunga accused MP Wamuchomba of spreading false and alarming information among farmers, clarifying that the Bill only proposes an additional charge of 86 cents per kilogram.
“There is no Sh3.85 levy in the Tea Bill as alleged. Such misinformation causes unnecessary fear among farmers who are already struggling,” Dr Mutunga said, assuring stakeholders that Parliament remains committed to protecting tea growers.
Tea factory directors used the platform to raise concerns over the heavy tax burden in the sector, warning that excessive levies are eroding farmers’ earnings and threatening the long-term viability of tea farming. They called on lawmakers to reduce taxation and create a more farmer-friendly regulatory framework.
Dr Mutunga pledged to present the concerns and proposals raised by farmers and factory directors to the National Assembly for debate and consideration.
South Imenti MP Dr Mwiti urged legislators to prioritize farmers’ interests when enacting laws, stressing that legislation should safeguard tea growers and guarantee stable and improved incomes.
Speaking on behalf of Zone 7 factory directors, Githongo Tea Factory chairman Bishop Richard Kimaita appealed to Parliament to listen to farmers’ voices, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy and must be protected through sound policy decisions.
The meeting underscored growing concerns within the tea sector over taxation and policy direction, as leaders push for reforms aimed at securing the livelihoods of thousands of tea farmers across the country.
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