Meru Tea Farmers Lose Millions as Lawyers Accuse Government of Delaying Fertiliser Subsidy

Tea farmers in Meru County are facing reduced earnings, with two lawyers blaming the national government for delaying fertiliser subsidy payments owed to the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).

The lawyers argue that the outstanding payments have placed financial pressure on tea factories, forcing some to settle fertiliser-related costs using money that could otherwise have gone towards farmers’ earnings.

Mugambi Imanyara, a lawyer and tea farmer, said the delayed reimbursement had affected bonus payments, leaving growers struggling to meet household expenses and other financial obligations.

According to Imanyara, Kionyo Tea Factory in South Imenti had Sh167 million deducted to cover outstanding fertiliser costs. He said the deduction reduced farmers’ bonus payments by approximately Sh7 per kilogramme.

The lawyer maintained that farmers should not bear the burden of delayed government payments, arguing that settling the outstanding subsidy would ease pressure on factories and improve growers’ returns.

Michiimikuru Tea Factory in Tigania East is also facing financial pressure. Its chairman, Stephen Kobia, said the factory was owed Sh183 million in fertiliser subsidy funds and Sh106 million in value-added tax refunds.

The outstanding amounts have added to the factory’s financial obligations at a time when farmers are concerned about the money they receive for their produce.

Reported bonus figures from Meru factories show differences in payments across the region. Imenti paid Sh48 per kilogramme, while Michiimikuru paid Sh20. Githongo and Kinoro paid Sh37, while Kionyo paid Sh36.

The variation has raised questions among farmers who depend on tea income to pay school fees, meet household expenses and finance their farming activities.

Imanyara said he intended to issue a demand notice seeking payment of the outstanding fertiliser subsidy.

Lawyer Earnest Kimaita also criticised Meru political leaders, accusing them of failing to adequately defend tea farmers’ interests.

The lawyers want the government to settle the outstanding amounts, saying timely payments could ease financial pressure on factories.

For farmers, the dispute goes beyond government reimbursements. Their immediate concern is whether delayed subsidy payments and other outstanding claims will continue to affect their earnings.The government has yet to be quoted responding to the specific allegations raised by the lawyers in the information provided.

SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A4HNxumbi/

Sanaipei-Updates feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com