Tea growers under the Kapkoros Tea Factory Group of Companies in Bomet County have called for the immediate disbandment of the board of directors.
They accused the factory of prolonged mismanagement that has negatively affected their livelihoods.
Led by Alice Koros, the farmers said poor proceeds and low bonus payouts have made it difficult for them to meet basic needs, including educating their children.
“The directors have mismanaged these factories for a long time, and they should be sent packing,” Koros said. “The low proceeds and bonuses we receive have made it extremely hard for us to pay school fees for our children.”
Speaking in the area, Koros noted that farmers are also pushing for the separation of the companies, arguing that it would enhance efficiency and accountability.
“As farmers, we want the companies separated to improve efficiency. It is very sad to see the education of farmers’ children disrupted because parents cannot afford school fees,” she said.
READ ALSO:
120 Sotik technical trainees to benefit from Sh5 million KCB–NGCDF scholarship programme
Koros further stated that it was illegal for the current directors to continue holding office now that the process of separating the companies had commenced, vowing that farmers would resist any form of mismanagement in the tea sector.
“We will not sit back and watch a few individuals mismanage our factories. We are ready to resist any actions that undermine farmers’ interests,” she added.
Her sentiments were echoed by Florence Langat, who said that tea growers have, for years, received low bonus payouts despite complying with all tea production and quality requirements.
“For a long time, we have abided by all the requirements, but the bonuses have remained low. This is very discouraging to farmers,” Langat said.
The farmers are expected to raise these concerns during an Annual General Meeting scheduled for tomorrow, where they plan to push forwide-ranging reforms in the management of the factories.
The Kapkoros Tea Factory Group of Companies comprises Kapkoros, Motigo, Tirgaga, and Olenguruone tea factories.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
