Parliament to address disparities in tea bonus payments - Watangula

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and other leaders do a jig at Nyamache Boys during a Women and Youth Empowerment Forum. HANDOUT

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has assured residents of Kisii and Nyamira Counties that tea bonuses in the region will be reviewed to ensure parity with other tea-growing areas.

Speaking at Nyamache Boys High School in Kisii County, during a Women and Youth Empowerment event hosted by Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, the Speaker emphasized that Kenya's exports to the world must reflect fairness across all our regions.

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi was among the scores of leaders who attended the forum, which raised millions for women's and youth groups.

Wetangula was responding to concerns from local leaders led by Donya over disparities in bonus payments in the country.

Wetangula’s sentiments were echoed by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot who said that bonus payments to all farmers affiliated to the Kenya Tea Development Agency are uniform.

"The bonus paid in Kisii, Kericho, Murang'a should be equal. When our tea is exported, it's not labelled it's from Kisii or Kericho. It's labelled Kenyan tea," said the speaker.

“As MPs, we shall work and ensure that the disparities are addressed,” said Cheruiyot.

National Assembly Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro also added his voice on the disparities in bonus payment.

“In Kisii and Nyamira, farmers get between Sh24 and Sh30 for bonus payment, while other regions get Sh50. This should be addressed,” said the South Mugirango MP.

The leaders, at the same time, took a swipe at the former Deputy President for asking Kenyans in the diaspora to halt their remittances.

“Kenya’s economic stability requires collective effort at home and abroad. I want to underscore the urgent need to stabilize Kenya’s economy, including through diaspora remittances and foreign exchange,” said Wetangula.

“I want Kenyans living and working abroad, especially those in the United States, not to heed malicious advice from visionless leaders who discourage them from investing back home. Kenya is our home. The dollars sent by our diaspora community play a critical role in strengthening our economy through foreign exchange support,” added the speaker.

During the function, Wetangula gave President William Ruto’s Sh3 million, Sh1 million from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and his donation of Sh500, 000.

The leaders further vowed to continue with the empowerment forums saying those opposed to the programs are enemies of progress.

“The empowerment forums will continue and once we are done with women, we shall turn our focus on youths. We shall traverse the whole country,” remarked Wetangula.

CS Wandayi said they will not be cowed by those opposed to empowerment forums. “

Those against empowerment cannot deter us. We shall continue empowering our people,” said Wandayi.

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita also defended the empowerment forums.

“The empowerment forums are like merry go round for MPs. We use our money,” said Nyamita.