KENYA – Investors in Kenya’s tea farming sector have expressed alarm over increasing invasions of tea estates, warning that the ongoing criminal activities threaten to escalate into conflict and jeopardize the country’s economic stability.
The Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA), led by Chairperson Silas Njibwakale, described the invasions as deliberate criminal acts undermining private investments and critical economic pillars.
The association highlighted incidents at Sitoi Estate in Nandi County, owned by Eastern Produce Kenya Limited (EPK), and Sambret Estate in Kericho County, which have resulted in significant financial and operational setbacks.
According to Njibwakale, the illegal activities at Sitoi Estate have caused monthly losses exceeding Kes30 million (US$232.1K) since August 2024, as organized gangs continue to pluck tea crops unlawfully.
Additionally, the invaders have seized key infrastructure, including the Sitoi Airstrip, crucial for daily operations.
Njibwakale criticized the lack of decisive action from authorities, which he said emboldens the perpetrators.
“If the illegal invasion, theft, and damage to investments by organized crime syndicates are allowed to continue, the potential ramifications for local security, the rule of law, and investment are dire,” he stated.
The association called on President William Ruto and security agencies to intervene promptly, emphasizing the broader economic implications.
The tea and coffee sectors account for 23 percent of Kenya’s total exports, with tea alone generating significant tax revenues and foreign exchange earnings.
Eastern Produce Kenya Board Chairperson Chris Flowers revealed that EPK, a subsidiary of Camellia Plc and the second-largest tea seller at the Mombasa Auction, plays a vital role in the local economy.
In 2024, EPK paid over Kes3.75 billion (US$28.99M) to smallholder farmers and contributed more than Kes2 billion in community investments and procurement opportunities for local contractors annually.
KTGA also reported an attempted raid by armed individuals at Browns East Africa’s Sambret Estate, adding to concerns over growing threats to the industry.
Despite the challenges, Kenya’s tea sector has shown resilience. Tea export volumes in the first ten months of 2024 rose by 20.8 percent to 500.8 million kilograms, compared to 414.5 million kilograms in the same period in 2023.
Export revenues also increased to Kes155 billion (US$1.19 billion), up from US$1.09 billion in 2023.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.