Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) to negotiate for the best rates for their US dollar earnings and ensure farmers receive benefits commensurate with the higher exchange rates.
The Deputy President met senior KTDA officials at the Official Residence in Karen on Tuesday following complaints by farmers who requested for his intervention on their pay.
“We have agreed that KTDA will negotiate for the best rates for the dollar earnings from the sale of the tea and make sure the benefits trickle down to the farmer,” said the DP.
He said he had called for the consultative meeting with the officials following concerns raised by farmers.
“Farmers have been concerned that they are not receiving better earnings despite the dollar fetching a higher exchange rate. I have consulted and we have agreed that KTDA will ensure the farmers receive what is commensurate with the higher exchange rate,” the DP added.
Last Saturday in Kigumo, Murang’a County, the Deputy President promised to meet the officials on Tuesday saying the issues raised were critical.
Mr Gachagua was addressing concerns by Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, who said income of tea farmers had dipped despite the high exchange rate of the dollar.
Mr Gachagua also said the Government was working hard to expand the foreign market for Kenyan tea because of its global appeal.
“We must make sure we continue to market our tea. We must expand the existing markets, explore the prospective ones and look into new markets. The objective is to improve what our farmers earn,” he said.
The DP also said the government was working closely with KTDA on distribution of cheaper fertiliser in a bid to reduce the cost of production.
