KTDA Board appoints Enos Njiru Njeru as new national chairman
KENYA – The Board of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has appointed Enos Njiru Njeru as its national chairman, effective July 17, 2023.
The appointment follows the resignation of David Ichoho last week, after leading the agency for 2 years. Mr. Njeru has been a KTDA Holdings Limited board member since July 2021 representing farmers from KTDA Zone Six – which comprises factories in Embu County.
He is a Certified Public Accountant with over 15 years of experience in finance management. Mr. Njeru assured the board that he will be committed to enhancing the welfare of the smallholder tea farmer, with a particular focus on the implementation of reforms on issues raised at the recently held tea conference.
“During the recent tea conference held at Kericho, we held thought-provoking discussions with passionate stakeholders, who shared their insights and concerns. I want to assure you all that the issues raised will be carefully considered under my chairmanship,” he said.
I am committed to translating the discussions into action, implementing the necessary reforms, and addressing the challenges faced by our tea farmers with the goal of bettering the returns of their hard work.”
Mr. Njeru objectively said he will champion a comprehensive tea reforms agenda as the industry is not immune to change and must adapt to remain competitive and sustainable.
“Embracing innovation, exploring new markets, and diversifying our products will be key in expanding the horizons of the tea sector. Together, we will chart a course that elevates the tea industry to new heights of prosperity,” he underlined.
Scottish court grants Kenyan tea workers right to sue James Finlay Kenya
Meanwhile, A Scottish court has ruled that a group of Kenyan farm workers can continue with a multi-million-pound damages case against James Finlay.
Up to 2,000 employees claim they suffered injuries due to working conditions at James Finlay Kenya Ltd and they want compensation from the business as they say bosses there didn’t do enough to prevent them from suffering debilitating workplace injuries.
Many of the workers claim they suffered “musculoskeletal injuries” because of working conditions at the company.
At a previous hearing, pickers detailed that they were routinely asked to work up to 12 hours a day without a break, for six days a week, earning in 2017 an average monthly wage of £100.
The hearing also heard evidence that pickers had to harvest a minimum of 30kg (4st 10lb) of tea to be paid anything at all.
Patrick McGuire, a partner at Thompsons Solicitors, claimed the firm played “every trick in the book to evade responsibility” and urged them to now pay “fair and just compensation” to the workers.
James Finlay Kenya Ltd, which objected to the ruling wanting it transferred to the Kenyan courts, said it would review the Court of Session ruling before deciding the “appropriate” next steps.
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