Ban tea-plucking machines, demand Nandi MCAs

Ban tea-plucking machines, demand Nandi MCAs

Nandi County Assembly Members are demanding that all tea picking machines be banned in the county.

Led by Terik Ward MCA – Thomas  Maritim, Kapsimotwo Ward MCA – Kiptindindinyo Ruto, Kilibwoni  MCA – Mark Gorge and Tindiret MCA – Kipkirui Chepkwony, the leaders said that the use of plucking machines  by  the multinational  tea companies operating in the county will  render more than 10,000 workers jobless.

Kilibwoni MCA – Mark Gorge pointed out that the two companies operating in the county have already imported equipment which is being assembled to be used in tea picking.

Gorge added this is a direct attack on the economy of the county as well as the livelihoods of the people who are solely dependent on tea and appealed to the national government to look into the issue.

The MCA further claimed that several villages and primary schools within the tea estates have been closed down as the companies prepare to demolish buildings to pave way for more tea plantations.

The Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union Nandi branch secretary, Eliakim Ochieng, welcomed the call for the machine’s ban saying that mass sacking will contribute to insecurity.

He appealed to the ministry of labor to ensure that those who will be adversely affected by the program to be compensated.

 

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Tea Nandi County

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