Vihiga: Leaders in Vihiga County are calling on the national government to take urgent steps to revive the tea sector, highlighting the need for devolved units to have a more significant role in tea production, marketing, and policy implementation. Speaking during the funeral of Benard Chahilu, the former Chairman of the Vihiga Cultural Society, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Nicholas Kitungulu, urged the government to actively intervene and address the challenges plaguing tea farmers.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kitungulu emphasized that reviving the tea industry will not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the national economy, as tea is a significant export and a key source of foreign exchange. He further appealed to Members of Parliament from Vihiga County to take a leading role in advocating for legislation and policies that will ensure fair compensation for tea farmers. 'We should also be actively involved in initiatives to revive the Kenyan tea sector through legislative action and policy changes,' he added.
Kitungulu raised concern over a growing trend where tea farmers are uprooting their tea bushes in frustration over low prices, high production costs, and a lack of viable alternatives. He described the move as drastic and counterproductive, driven by deep dissatisfaction with current returns. Despite the challenges, he encouraged farmers to continue cultivating tea and avoid converting their land to other uses, emphasizing the sector's long-term importance to the country's economic stability and rural livelihoods.
Kenya's tea industry remains a global leader in exports and a crucial pillar of the national economy. However, the sector is grappling with numerous obstacles, including unpredictable global prices, climate variability, and structural inefficiencies that affect farmer incomes. Kitungulu's remarks underscore the urgent need for reforms and coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and profitability of the tea industry for future generations.