Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire directs county offices to buy tea leaves from local factories

Mbarire urged Chief Officers from all the county departments to effect the move as a way of expanding the market for the tea farmers. 

Speaking when she met members of Parliament from Embu and the Kenya Tea Development Authority leaders to strategize on how they will improve tea business in the county, Mbarire said despite the county producing the best tea, its consumption has been low locally. 

As a result, the governor said two stalls will be set aside in Embu town bus park to facilitate the sale of the tea from the three factories to the locals in Embu. 

She further expressed the county gov’ts commitment to reduce the cost of tea production in Embu.

Mbarire noted that sections of forests are being leased to private investors, urging the government to consider allowing tea factories to cut trees in those forests, to use the firewood in drying their tea. They will then plant new trees. 

Her sentiments were echoed by Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji, who said only 1% of the tea produced in the county is consumed locally.

He said they will champion local consumption since that was market that was lying idle and unutilized.

Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) Chairman Enos Njeru lauded the relationship between the county and the national government on issues tea saying the efforts being reflected in tea sector will bring more goodies to farmers.