TASKFORCE ON THE REVIEW OF MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES ENGAGEMENTS IN THE TEA SUB-SECTOR UNVEILED
H.E Governor Stephen Sang on Friday unveiled a team of 9 members and 3 secretaries to review the multinational companies engagement in the tea sub-sector.
According to a gazette notice dated October 31, 2022, the team appointed by the county boss is expected to conduct extensive review on the multinational companies’ engagements in tea sub-sector in Nandi and in collaboration with the county governments of Kericho and Bomet for a period of ninety (90) days, which took effect on 31st October, 2022.
The terms of reference for the Taskforce shall be to:-
(a) review the current and emerging challenges facing the tea sub- sector multinationals and other stakeholders within Nandi County and make appropriate recommendations;
(b) co-ordinate stakeholders’ consultation with the multinationals and other tea sub-sector players on appropriate mechanisms to address the current and emerging challenges in the sector;
(c) review socio-economic impacts of mechanization of tea plucking machines among the multinational tea companies in Nandi and propose appropriate mitigation measures:
(d) establish the status of all land leases including acreages held by each multinational in Nandi:
(e) consider the current land rent, rates and applicable fees paid by the multinationals and propose appropriate policy and legal frameworks necessary to review and increase land rates and rent paid by multinationals; (consider the role, effectiveness, and relevance of multinational tea companies in management of Tea CESS and propose appropriate legal, policy and institutional framework to collectreceive views from members of the public and receive oral and written submissions from any person with relevant information;
The Taskforce may co-opt any person(s) as it may consider necessary or expedient for the proper performance of its functions. It may also create committees or sub-committees to expedite the discharge of its tasks;
It might also consider reports of past or on-going initiatives towards enhancing the legal, policy and institutional framework in the tea sub-sector or cause to be carried out such studies or research as may inform the Taskforce on its mandate; and
Last but not least, it may have all powers necessary or expedient for the proper execution of its functions, including the power to regulate its own procedures.
The Taskforce is composed of; Hon. John Cheruiyot as the Chairman with it’s Members as Rev. Elija Yego, Dr. Bernard Kiplimo arap Lagat, Dr. Philemon Bureti, Wakili Nathan Tororei, CPA Alfred Lagat, Steven Rotich, Dr. Ruth Choge, Wilson Kipkogei Lelmegit.
The Taskforce will be assisted by a team of 3 Secretariat namely Godfry Sang, Kibet Gim Awi and Maureen Chepng’etich.
Following their appointment, the members are required to issue the Governor with a tripartite report at the end of the 90 days that will provide a clear roadmap to facilitate sustainable solutions and coexistence between multinationals, communities and all stakeholders involved with the tea sub-sector.