By Aoma Keziah
Worth Noting:
- Linturi outlined several key initiatives that the Ministry plans to implement in collaboration with the new directors. These include the introduction of modern farming techniques, increased access to financing, and robust marketing strategies to boost the global competitiveness of Kenyan tea. He also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the management of tea factory operations.
- “The directors elected today have a responsibility to uphold the trust placed in them by the farmers. They must work tirelessly to address the challenges faced by the sector and to deliver tangible benefits to our hardworking tea growers,” he added.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has successfully concluded the election of directors for smallholder tea factories across the country. In a significant event held at Kilimo House, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mithika Linturi officially presided over the release of the election results.
The process, overseen by the IEBC, aimed to ensure transparency and fairness in selecting leaders who will steer the smallholder tea factories towards growth and sustainability. The involvement of the IEBC underscores the importance of these elections in the agricultural sector, impacting the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale tea farmers.
During the announcement, the Cabinet Secretary commended the IEBC for their meticulous handling of the elections and emphasized the crucial role of the newly elected directors in advancing the tea industry. “The election of these directors marks a new chapter for smallholder tea factories. Their leadership will be pivotal in enhancing productivity, improving market access, and ensuring better returns for our hardworking farmers,” Linturi stated.
Linturi outlined several key initiatives that the Ministry plans to implement in collaboration with the new directors. These include the introduction of modern farming techniques, increased access to financing, and robust marketing strategies to boost the global competitiveness of Kenyan tea. He also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the management of tea factory operations.
“The directors elected today have a responsibility to uphold the trust placed in them by the farmers. They must work tirelessly to address the challenges faced by the sector and to deliver tangible benefits to our hardworking tea growers,” he added.
The Cabinet Secretary also took the opportunity to reaffirm the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector through policy reforms and infrastructural development. He assured the stakeholders that the Ministry would provide the necessary resources and guidance to ensure the success of the new leadership.
As the event concluded, there was a sense of optimism and renewed determination among the attendees, signaling a promising future for Kenya’s tea industry under the stewardship of the newly elected directors and the supportive oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
The newly elected directors are expected to address key issues such as modernization of farming techniques, financial management, and fostering partnerships to boost the sector’s competitiveness both locally and internationally.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has reiterated its commitment to supporting the tea industry through policy reforms, capacity building, and providing a conducive environment for growth. The successful conclusion of these elections is a step towards realizing these objectives and empowering smallholder tea farmers. With the new leadership in place, the future of smallholder tea factories looks promising, setting the stage for increased productivity and improved livelihoods for farmers across Kenya.
