Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has assured tea farmers that the government is determined to eliminate cartels frustrating the sector in order to guarantee them better returns.
Speaking in Londiani, Kericho County, during a women and youth empowerment forum on Saturday, Prof. Kindiki said despite reforms and significant growth in tea earnings, farmers continue to suffer depressed bonuses due to exploitation by middlemen.
“Many cartels are sabotaging the sector—we won’t allow it. Despite reforms, earnings have remained low, and we will ensure farmers get their rightful income,” he said.
The Deputy President further announced that construction of the Ksh. 8 billion Londiani Teaching and Referral Hospital will soon commence, bringing specialized healthcare closer to residents of the South Rift region.
On infrastructure, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot assured that the Londiani–Iloti Road will be tarmacked, while Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge revealed that blind testing will be introduced at the tea auction to protect farmers from unfair treatment.
The leaders emphasized that the reforms and development projects are part of a broader government effort to boost economic empowerment and uplift livelihoods across the region.
