Bomet: The Government has directed the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) to introduce an automated green leaf payment system aimed at protecting tea farmers from exploitation by middlemen, brokers, and unscrupulous weighing clerks. The initiative seeks to ensure that tea farmers are compensated fairly for the actual quantity of tea they deliver.
According to Kenya News Agency, Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh Paul announced that the Digital Green Leaf Payment System will be rolled out within the next three months. This system will link tea delivered by farmers at buying centers to a digital payment system, thus eliminating manipulation of weighing records and delays in payment, while enhancing transparency in the tea value chain.
Dr. Ronoh, speaking during an engagement with tea farmers in Bomet and Kericho counties, emphasized that every kilogramme delivered by a farmer must be captured and paid for transparently. The government has expressed concern over reports of farmers losing earnings through fraudulent weighing practices at tea buying centers and has directed the Tea Board of Kenya to strengthen supervision and take action against malpractice.
Additionally, Dr. Ronoh highlighted the need to address delays in the auctioning of tea, which increases storage costs and affects farmers. He urged KTDA to facilitate direct access to international markets for factories to reduce the role of brokers and improve returns to farmers.
At Chelal Tea Factory in Kericho County, part of the government’s modernization program, Dr. Ronoh presented a Sh103 million grant to support factory upgrades. He also flagged-off 10,000 tea seedlings for farmers and issued protective gear to enhance safety among tea growers.
The PS assured that the government aims to build a modern and farmer-centered tea industry, enhancing value addition and ensuring sustainable returns. The Setet Power Plant is expected to improve reliability of electricity supply at Chelal Tea Factory.
Willy K. Mutai, Tea Board of Kenya CEO, urged maintaining high tea quality to protect Kenya’s international reputation. He emphasized that all players in the tea value chain must ensure quality from farm to market.
The Digital Green Leaf Payment System is expected to offer real-time tracking of green leaf deliveries, reduce fraud, and facilitate faster payments to farmers. The system will digitally capture tea deliveries and link them to payment information, reducing manipulation opportunities.
Dr. Ronoh reiterated the government’s commitment to working with KTDA, the Tea Board of Kenya, and other stakeholders to restore confidence in the tea industry. He also presided over the opening of an NCPB store at Merigi Center in Bomet County to provide subsidized fertilizer and essential services to farmers.
The engagement was attended by Tea Board of Kenya Chairman Ndung’u Gathinji, KTDA officials, Members of County Assemblies, factory directors, tea farmers, and other stakeholders.
