Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua assured Kenyan farmers that the Kenya Kwanza government would aggressively pursue markets for their produce as well as help boost productivity.
He said when he flagged off 88,000 metric tonnes of the subsidised fertiliser for small holder tea growers in Nairobi. The government is focusing to to increase productivity at an affordable rate.
The fertilizer, procured by Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) and flagged off from the Nairobi Freight Terminal, was transported by road in 62 trucks to factories in various parts of the country.
The DP cautioned those intent on destabilizing the tea industry through leadership wrangles to keep tea farmers and allow them to improve their lot with the government’s support.
“The flagging of this second consignment of fertilizer to Tea Growers across the nation will ease the burden of the farmers in a great way,” said DP Gachagua.
The Ksh.3.7 billion Subsidy for fertilizer announced by President William Ruto saw the cost of a 50 kg Bag drop from Ksh. 6,500 to Ksh.3,500 for the farmers.
To cushion Tea farmers from an upsurge in fertilizer prices caused by the global economy, the Government has provided Ksh.4.4 billion as fertilizer Subsidy.
Farmers in all 54 small-holders Tea factories will benefit this financial year.
Ambassadors and high commissioners will sign an MOU requirement that 70 percent of their work will involve looking for new markets and enhancing existing ones.
“Farmers must get something to compensate for their work, they must be given a chance to live a good life,” he said.
Tea provides a source of livelihood directly to over 750,000 farmers 90 percent of whom, are smallholder tea Growers and another 7 million Kenyans indirectly.
Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai said efforts dedicated by the new regime will increase the sector’s earnings.
David Ichoho Chairman KTDA said small scale farmers affiliated to KTDA will greatly benefit.
A total of 88,000 metric tonnes equivalent to 2.76 million bags of 50kg of the NPK 26:5:5 chemically compounded fertilizer was procured from Russia and delivered in two consignments.
“The farmers are able to conveniently pay for fertilizers subsidy through a monthly check against their payment for green leaves delivered, “said Muni.
Globally, Kenya is the third leading producer of Tea and the biggest exporter accounting for 28 percent of the world Tea exports.
In the year 2021, the Tea sector earned the country Ksh.136 billion in foreign exchange with this year projection standing at Ksh.150 billion.
