Tea farmers in Kabianga Ward, Belgut Sub-County, have received a major boost following the launch of a new tea buying centre and commissioning of agricultural machinery by Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai.
The Kapkusum Tea Buying Centre, unveiled on International Tea Day, is expected to streamline the collection of green tea while upholding quality standards.
Governor Mutai noted the facility is part of the county’s broader initiative to enhance tea production and adhere to the national government’s ban on green tea hawking.
“My administration has constructed 74 tea buying centres to improve green leaf quality and secure better returns for our farmers,” said Dr. Mutai.
The governor further said, in addition to waiving cess fees and investing in road infrastructure, his administration is committed to continue creating a supportive environment for tea growers across the county.
Dr. Mutai also commissioned key agricultural machinery for the Kabianga Farmers Dairy Cooperative, including a tractor, forage harvester, silage wrapper, and trailer.
These tools, he said will be used for subsidized forage harvesting and feed preparation, cutting feed production costs for dairy farmers highlighting the success of the cooperative, which now processes over 20,000 litres of milk daily.
Earlier, the county had distributed 3,000 kg of Boma Rhodes and other pasture seeds, leading to the establishment of over 1,200 acres of fodder.
By Kibe Mburu
