Migori: Tobacco farmers in Migori County have asked the government to force the local leaf companies to provide them with protective gear to save them from the risks of contracting dangerous diseases. According to the group, they risked contracting lung and skin diseases when attending to their farms due to lack of aprons, nose masks, and gloves.
According to Kenya News Agency, the growers from the Kuria region, Suna West, and Uriri said more than 20,000 farmers would benefit if they were supplied with the gear. ‘We spend a lot of money treating tobacco-related ailments because of the attitudes of these firms of not prioritising the use of protective gear,’ said Mr. Lawrence Onyango, a longtime tobacco farmer from the Anjego areas of Uriri Sub-county. He emphasized the need for government enforcement of rules compelling tobacco firms to provide protective gear.
However, the companies have denied having an indifferent attitude towards the health of their farmers. British American Tobacco (BAT) Company stated it was promptly supplying its contracted farmers with the outfits on credit. A leaf technician with the company, who wished to remain anonymous, acknowledged the necessity of the materials, albeit citing their high cost.
Conversely, an official from Star Tobacco Company, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak on the matter, accused the farmers of creating unnecessary blame regarding their health. The official insisted that the company was adhering to health requirements, but farmers were reluctant to bear the cost of gear provided on credit.
In addition, forest officers and those from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) have urged the tobacco firms to address environmental concerns. They warned that the use of wood fuel for curing tobacco in barns has significantly contributed to deforestation, turning many tobacco-growing areas into semi-deserts. ‘The continued use of tree log fire kilns to dry tobacco leaf is seriously causing a spate of deforestation in many parts of Migori, leaving rivers and water sources dry,’ one officer explained.
