KTDA implements anti-tampering technology on tea scales 

KENYA – The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has successfully completed the installation of anti-tampering devices on green leaf weighing scales across its 71 managed factories.

This measure will help in addressing the long-standing concerns from smallholder tea farmers regarding potential discrepancies in weight measurements.  

This move, aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency in the tea sector, benefits over 700,000 smallholder tea farmers who supply green leaf to KTDA factories. 

The anti-tampering devices are designed to prevent any unauthorized interference with the scales, which could lead to inaccurate weight records and, in turn, affect farmers’ payments.  

According to KTDA, each weighing scale is now equipped with an advanced anti-tampering gadget embedded with a GSM card that sends real-time alerts to factory managers and officials if any tampering is detected.  

This system allows for immediate action to be taken, ensuring the integrity of the weighing process. 

KTDA said in a statement: “The introduction of the anti-tampering technology comes in response to concerns raised by farmers over sporadic cases of tampered scales. These issues could potentially lead to inaccuracies in the weight of green leaf recorded, which directly affects farmers’ payments.  

KTDA recognizes the importance of addressing these concerns and has taken decisive action to ensure transparency and fairness in the process.” 

Collins Bett, Managing Director of KTDA Management Services, emphasized that the integrity of the green leaf collection process is central to the agency’s mission to serve smallholder tea farmers.  

“These anti-tampering gadgets will provide peace of mind and ensure that every farmer is fairly compensated for their hard work,” Bett stated. 

In addition to the new devices, KTDA has been implementing various technological innovations to improve operational efficiency. This includes digitized payment systems and modernized factory processes.  

The agency has also rolled out an app and USSD service that allows farmers to access information on their green leaf weight, payments, and updates on the tea sector. 

Fertilizer subsidy 

Meanwhile, the government has directed KTDA to revise its proposed fertilizer charges for tea farmers.  

In a notice dated October 9, KTDA announced that it would charge farmers KES3,400 (US$26.33) for a 50kg bag of fertilizer, which contradicts the government’s subsidy program price of KES2,500 (US$19.36). 

Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh reassured tea farmers of the government’s commitment to easing the cost of fertilizer.  

He directed KTDA to comply with the government’s directive, noting that sufficient funds have been made available for the subsidy programme. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and the National Treasury are in the process of releasing KES2 billion (US$15.5M) for the 2024/2025 financial year to support the fertilizer subsidy initiative, adding to the KES1.4 billion (US$10.8M) that was availed in July 2023. 

KTDA has procured 97,000 metric tonnes of chemically compounded NKP 26:5:5 fertilizer this year, reflecting an increase from last year’s order of 93,000 metric tonnes. 

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