Fearless MP Gathoni Wamuchomba Raises Alarm Over Kenyan Tea Sector Under

Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba, a fearless critic of government policy, has sounded the alarm over the state of the Kenyan tea sector, warning that urgent intervention is required to prevent the industry from collapsing. Known for standing her ground and not blindly following the wind, MP Wamuchomba has consistently raised concerns on behalf of farmers.

Speaking on the challenges facing farmers and factories, she highlighted that the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has reportedly been operating on borrowed funds for the past three years, including loans used to pay farmers this year’s low bonuses. She noted that some factories have already been notified by auctioneers over defaulted loans.

“If the tea export revenue figures reported in Parliament by President Ruto are accurate, why are factories unable to pay farmers?” she asked. “Parliament has also failed to safeguard the interests of tea farmers.”

MP Wamuchomba further expressed concern over the Tea Amendment Bill 2025, which proposes a new levy on factories already under financial strain. She revealed that her efforts to raise concerns in Parliament have drawn criticism from senior government officials, including threats of arrest for “inciting farmers.”

Despite these pressures, MP Wamuchomba remains resolute. “Arrest me if you may; the truth will always prevail. I will soon convene a special meeting with the Federation of Tea Farmers, factories, and stakeholders to address this crisis and petition the Government,” she said.

She reaffirmed her commitment to champion the rights and welfare of Kenyan tea farmers, drawing on her experience in advocating for coffee farmers and vowing to pursue similar interventions for the tea sector.

“Nothing will stop the farmer from reclaiming the value of Kenyan tea. I am a woman for the job,” MP Wamuchomba concluded.