Nairobi: Tobacco farmers from Kuria, Migori County, have appealed to both the national and county governments to intervene and help them recover millions of shillings owed to them by a tobacco company over deliveries made since 2023.
According to Kenya News Agency, the farmers, led by Kevin Rioba, said they have been supplying tobacco to East Obac Kenya Limited, based in Kuria West Sub-county, Tagare Ward, but have not received payment despite repeated promises from the company’s management. Rioba mentioned that more than 120 farmers have been affected by the delayed payments, a situation that has pushed many families into financial difficulties.
He explained that farmers had petitioned the Migori County Department of Agriculture and reported the matter to the police, but no meaningful assistance had been provided so far. Rioba accused the Director of East Obac Kenya Limited, Richard Chiromo, a Zimbabwean national, of making unfulfilled promises to pay farmers for their produce. He noted that some farmers supplied between 300 and 400 tonnes of tobacco collectively between 2023 and 2024, while others delivered smaller quantities, with the total outstanding payments estimated to run into tens of millions of shillings.
For Charles Masese, one of the affected farmers, the dispute has caused severe financial hardship. He supplied about four tonnes of tobacco and is demanding approximately Sh2 million from the company. Masese expressed that the delayed payment has affected his family’s ability to meet basic needs, including paying school fees and supporting household expenses. He added that several attempts to seek clarification from the company’s regional office have been unsuccessful, claiming that the office remains closed and the area manager has been unreachable.
Another farmer, George Mwita from Tagare Ward, said prolonged delays in payment have created tension in many households, forcing some families to sell household assets to settle bills and meet other financial obligations. He emphasized that farmers who invested heavily in tobacco production have been left struggling despite their significant efforts and resources.
Tagare Ward Member of the County Assembly Moses Magwe urged both the county and national governments to treat the matter with urgency, highlighting that affected families were facing serious financial challenges. Magwe stated that he would engage the county government and explore legal avenues to ensure farmers receive their outstanding payments. He expressed concern that farmers should not lose confidence in agricultural activities because of disputes arising from unfair business practices, adding that mechanisms should be put in place to protect farmers from exploitation.
The farmers have since issued a 14-day notice demanding settlement of all outstanding payments, warning that they will pursue further action if their grievances remain unresolved. In their petition, the farmers appealed to the Migori County Government to assist in establishing the whereabouts of the company director and help facilitate payment of their outstanding dues.
