Tea farmers elect KTDA directors

NYERI: Farmers in various tea-growing areas in central Kenya held peaceful elections to choose their representatives at the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).

In Meru, Nicholas Mutwiri was voted the new tea director in the Njunjumu electoral area that covers the giant Kinoro tea factories.

Mr Mutwiri garnered 29,000 votes against his challenger Robert Mwebia, who received 17,000 votes.

He immediately pledged to ensure farmers and KTDA work together to spur growth in the troubled sub-sector.

"My goals are to help farmers get improved earnings from their tea. I will also help in improving roads to ensure tea areas are accessible," he said after being announced winner by presiding officer Peter Kambutu.

TRIO RE-ELECTED

In Murang'a County, three directors were re-elected unopposed.

Incumbent directors Alex Kamau Kinyua, Joel Gaichuru and Eston Githaiga returned to the management as no one rose to oppose them.

At Gatunguru tea factory, Gedion Kiriko polled 16,000 votes and defeated a former factory chairman, a Mr Gichine.

At Kiru factory, Gatu Waithaka returned to the management after he floored Joseph Njuguna, a former employee of the factory.

In Kiambuthia zone, a newcomer, Mr Ngatia, won the directorship after he floored Maina Gathonjia.

KTDA regional board member Francis Macharia said the new team would work towards improving the tea sub-sector.

Other regions that held elections were yet to announce the results by the time of going to press.