In an effort to revamp the tea sector, the national government has given Sh 44.6 million to Kapsara tea factory in Trans Nzoia County.
The funds are part of the wider Sh3.5 billion grant the government set aside to modernise equipment and machinery in small-scale tea farmers’ factories across the country.
Handing over the Sh44.6 million cheque to Kapsara Tea Factory management, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the government is committed to modernise the tea sector in a bid to enhance productivity.
Warning against misuse of the funds, Kagwe urged the management to ensure that the funds are used for the intended purpose of purchasing a modern withering machine.
He said purchasing the withering machine, which consumes less power, will help reduce losses, putting farmers in a better position to earn more from their produce.
Kagwe said deliberate plans are underway to take advantage of technological advancements to enhance productivity, revealing that soon usage of drones in tea picking, monitoring, and surveillance will be initiated.
“The government is on top of things to ensure that deliberate plans are undertaken to see to it that we embrace technology to uplift all agricultural sectors,” he said, urging farmers not to fear embracing technology for worries of losing jobs.
“Let us not fear to embrace technology. I understand people are worried that it would lead to loss of jobs, but I am here to assure you that use of technology, besides increasing efficiency and effectiveness, comes with more opportunities,” he assured.
Saying that Kenya exports tea to more than 50 countries across the world, Kagwe said the government is out to ensure more value addition and branding with an intention of making Kenyan tea the best on the global stage.
“We are currently exporting tea to more than 50 countries in the world, with Denmark being our best partner. With proper branding, we look forward to having our tea being exported to more countries to cushion us from the ever-changing market trends,” he explained.
Meanwhile, he challenged farmers and all players in the key sector to aspire to quality other than quantity.
He urged farmers to ignore reports attributed to a section of the political class claiming that the government has plans to force farmers to pay a tea levy, saying that there is no such plan.
By Isaiah Nayika
