Ruto's allies oppose tea levy, urge government to support farmers

Audio By Vocalize

Farmers have opposed the tea levy and instead asked the government to support the sector. [File, Standard]

President William Ruto’s allies have opposed the tea levy introduced by the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), charged to the buyers at the rate of Sh2.28 per kilogram at the price of the auction.

Led by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, MPs Muchangi Njiru (Runyenjes) and Njoki Njeru (Embu), they said the levy was forcing buyers to seek alternative markets to avoid parting with Sh1.2 billion annually.

The leaders pleaded with the government to shelve the levy and instead support the tea sector.