GOVERNOR BARASA REVIVES KAKAMEGA TEA FACTORY PROJECT

Kakamega Governor H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa has directed for urgent formation of an implementation committee for construction and operationalisation of Kakamega Tea Factory at Madala in Shinyalu Sub-County.

The Governor who spoke when he met officials of Mudete Tea Factory at his Office, County Headquarters on Monday stated that the committee has six months to come up with a proposal that will be presented to the Cabinet, conduct public participation and allocate funds for the project in the subsequent budget.

The Kakamega factory which is set to sit on 8 acres piece of land will be a satellite company of Mudete; the administrative functions being run at the mother company – Mudete.

The Governor called for the process to be fastracked to boost the economy of Kakamega in addition to creating wealth amongst tea farmers in Shinyalu, Ikolomani and Khwisero Sub-Counties in line with his Wealth creation agenda of his Manifesto.

Deputy Governor H.E Ayub Savula said the County Government will provide seedlings to tea farmers to improve the tea cover.

Mudete Tea Factory Unit Manager Peter Munialo on his part noted that the sector faces a raft of challenges including leaf hawking, high cost of production and fluctuation in prices among others.