Press Release by East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) on the insecurity and wanton destruction of property in the tea estates.
The Board of the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) is deeply concerned about the insecurity and the wanton destruction of property in the tea estates in the South Rift.
We condemn with the strongest terms possible the invasion witnessed in broad daylight by invaders that have threatened workers besides destroying machinery that are valued at millions of shillings.
It is unfortunate that the incident is being witnessed at a time when the Kenyan economy is undergoing some trying times while the Government is working hard to attract foreign investors to bring in seriously needed foreign exchange and create employment in the country.
It is worth noting that the action is sending a wrong signal to the global community on how foreign investors are treated in Kenya.
The effect of incidence that is taking place in the tea estates will have far reaching consequences to the tea industry in the country.
As you may be all aware, already a major tea estate - Ekaterra Tea PLC has suspended operations for the time while insecurity and destruction of property continues to prevail.
As we are speaking to you today, the other large plantations are also observing the situation and may do the same if the security of their employees and property is not guaranteed.
It is important to note that the tea plantations in this country account for 40 percent of the volume of tea traded in the auction and if they decide to stop presenting their tea in the auction, we foresee a catastrophic impact on the Mombasa Tea Auction.
As you may be aware, tea is grown in 19 counties and is a catalyst for economic development across the country.
It is important to note that Kenya earned more than Kenya Shillings130 billion from tea exports thereby providing livelihood to more than 3 million Kenyans in the year 2022.
This is proof enough that the tea industry strongly holds to the philosophy of shared prosperity right from the farmer.
Given the current ugly situation, as EATTA together with other stakeholders, we are making an appeal to the highest authorities in the land to step in and give an assurance that Kenya supports foreign investment and is open for business.
About EATTA
EATTA is the apex body representing the tea industry in Africa. EATTA was formed in 1957 to promote the best interest of the Tea Trade in Africa. It runs the Mombasa Tea Auction, which is the largest tea auction in the world. Tea is the leading export from Kenya. With Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the democratic republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar and Ethiopia as members and infusing pan Africanism into the organization it lobbies for regulatory and statutory bodies in member countries to create an enabling business environment for our members along the value chain.
Mr. Arthur D. Sewe,
Chairman,
East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA)
