Tea growers sound alarm on criminal activity in large scale estates

The Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA) has sounded an alarm over a series of alarming land invasions and criminal activities targeting large-scale tea producer estates.

Speaking during a media conference in Nairobi, KTGA Chairman Silas Njibwakale, singled out the ongoing illegal land invasion of Sitoi Estate owned by Eastern Produce Kenya Limited (EPK) in Nandi County and recent illegal harvesting of trees at Sambret Estate in Kericho county.

“The invaders have been actively plucking the firm’s tea crop, occasioning more than Kshs 30 million monthly losses since August 2024. “They have also taken over prime parcels of land, including the Sitoi Airstrip, A key infrastructure installation for the day-to-day operations,” he said.

“The Association is concerned by the lackluster response from security agencies and the national Government, which has continued to encourage the invasions, including blatant flouting of court orders.”

He also expressed concern that if the illegal invasion, theft, and damage to investments by organized crime syndicates are allowed to continue in this manner, the potential ramifications for local security, the rule of law and investment are dire.

Njibwakale also called upon President William Ruto and the security agencies to intervene, noting that failure to stop the illegal activities would lead to massive economic losses to the local and national economy.

“In Nandi, well-organized criminal gangs who appear to enjoy political cover, have established themselves at EPK’s Sitoi Tea Estate in recent months. These gangs have occupied crucial estate zones, including the Sitoi Airstrip, crippling operations and placing lives and property at substantial risk,” Njibwakale said. 

On the other hand, Chris Flowers, Chairperson Eastern Produce Kenya Board, disclosed that the firm is one of the largest tea growing enterprises in Kenya.

In Kenya, the Tea and Coffee sub-sectors are crucial economic drivers accounting for 23 percent of the country’s total exports and supporting over five million livelihoods including 650,000 farmers.