Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto says the country requires a new tea act

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto reads a constitution during a function to celebrate five years after the promulgation of the constition at Bomet Green Stadium.  27/08/2015: PHOTO:GILBERT KIMUTAI/STANDARD

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto has said the country requires a new Tea Act, which will make all tea farmers in the country equal.

Ruto hit out at Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) for paying South Rift farmers dismal bonuses compared to others in the country. 

"There is a bias during the calculation of the amounts of money to be paid to tea farmers in various tea growing regions. There is also inequality in the marketing procedure. There are obvious inefficiencies in the way the agency is handling the question of marketing tea," Mr Ruto said.

He added that KTDA was also allegedly overcharging tea farmers and there was open inefficiency in the collection of green leaves from farmers. He called on this to be addressed.