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{
    "id": 598656,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/598656/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 59,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "(1) A programme of product diversification into other tea products such as green tea, farm enterprise, crop diversification and farming systems. (2) Provision of subsidized fertilizer to tea farmers is ongoing. (3) The process of developing income stabilization mechanism programme is underway. (4) The surveillance of tea quality along the value chain has been enhanced. (5) Tea promotion programmes have been rolled out. (6) A final draft tea policy document is awaiting submission to the Cabinet for approval. This will guide the tea industry. Concerning question 2.1.5 on what the national Government in conjunction with the county governments is doing to get the tea sector back to profitability, the response is as follows:- (1)The county governments will appoint a team to offer extension services. (2) The Ministry has appointed a Tea Industry Task force to work on modalities of cooperation with county governments and other issues regarding the industry. (3) Consultative meetings are ongoing between the Tea Directorate and county governments. Regarding question 2.2.1 on issues raised by other Senators; the number of members sitting at the board of East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) and the counties they originate from, the answer is as follows:- There are 14 members who sit at the board of EATTA. They are as follows:- (1) Mr. Nick Munyi, representing buyers from Nyeri, Kenya. (2) Mr. William Oyosi, representing buyers from Vihiga, Kenya. (3) Mr. Gitata Macharia representing buyers from Nyeri, Kenya. (4) Mr. Albert Otochi, a small holder producer from Nyamira, Kenya. (5) Mr. Samuel Thumbi, plantation producer from Kiambu, Kenya. (6) Mr. Tom Muchura is a broker representing brokers, from Siaya, Kenya. (7) Mr. Collins Cheruiyot, representing tea packers, from Kericho, Kenya. (8) Mr. Simon Gikanga, representing warehouses, from Kiambu, Kenya. (9) Mr. John Prinsloo representing producers from Uganda. (10) Mr. Jotham Majyalibu representing producers from Rwanda. (11) Mr. Nicholas Yiannakis representing producers from Tanzania (12) Ms. Yvonne Girukwishaka representing producers from Burundi. (13) Mr. Nelius Kariuki, Independent director from Murang’a, Kenya. (14) Mr. Edward Mudibo, Managing Director from Busia, Kenya. Mr. Speaker, Sir, EATTA was registered in 1956 and has 200 members drawn from 10 counties. It is a membership association that consists of five distinct and independent sub-associations. Each sub-association nominates members who are then appointed to the board. On question 2.2.2 on the impact of taxes and levies in reducing profitability of the crop to farmers, the response is as follows:- Profitability of tea bonuses is determined by crop volume, supply and demand and cost of operations including taxation as well as prevailing prices in the world market. Taxes and levies charged on the tea industry emanate from the national tax regime, The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}