The County Government of Bungoma in collaboration with the national government are finalizing plans to set up a KSh500 million tea factory in Mt. Elgon Sub-county.
The Agriculture and Livestock Development CS, Mithika Linturi, said the factory, which is to be set up at Kaberwa, will be allocated funds in the upcoming supplementary budget, and that President William Ruto has elaborate plans for its running.
“I am here on the directive of the president and I want to assure you that we will ensure the construction of a modern tea factory is factored in the coming budget,” said Linturi as reported by the Kenya News Agency.
The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) will partner with the County Government of Bungoma to supply tea seedling to farmers, something that Governor Kenneth Lusaka is committed to ensuring it is implemented.
“This is something I had started during my first tenure as governor, so it will just be starting our vision where we left,” Mr. Lusaka said while accompanying the CS during the visit in Kabwera, “God has blessed us with good weather. We should take advantage of the goodwill we have with the current government by venturing in tea farming.”
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula says the factory will open up other industries in the region once it is set up, and encouraged farmers in Bungoma County to adopt tea farming.
“Let’s not argue about the exact location but instead let’s take this first initiative which will open ways for more of such in the region. The factory needs raw materials hence the need for farmers to have more tea plantations,” he said.
Sam Oduor is the founder and one of the editors at WKT. With a strong background in Communication and Journalism, Sam is an experienced digital media expert currently building a team of young professionals dedicated to telling the story of our community in a unique, authentic way.
