Youth polytechnic, KTDA clash over tea nursery

A fresh row is pitting two government institutions in Central Imenti Sub-County over the ownership of a tea nursery plantation.

The one-acre plantation has been at the centre of controversy between Githongo Youth Polytechnic and Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) Githongo factory.

The polytechnic’s administrators are unhappy with the chairman of their Board of Management (BOM), Mr Justus M’Raaria.

They accuse Mr M'Raaria, who is also a director of the factory, of going behind their backs and sealing a deal with KTDA’s management to locate the nursery in their compound without their consent.

According to the board's vice chairman, Mr Cosmos Marete, the polytechnic incurred huge losses after the piece of land was cleared to pave way for the tea nursery.

DOUBLE STANDARDS

He further claimed that the administrators were not officially informed of the decision to establish a tea nursery on the polytechnic's property, accusing the chairman of double standards.

“We had planted maize, which was cut down. KTDA has also denied owning the nursery and it is now clear that the chairman, who also serves as the director, Mr M’Raaria, is liable for the damages. We have demanded compensation, but that has not been met,” Mr Marete told reporters Thursday.

Mr Marete appealed to the county government to intervene and resolve the matter, adding that his group wants Sh120,000 as compensation from KTDA and Mr M’Raaria.

When contacted, Mr M’Raaria refused to comment on the matter, saying he was not authorised to speak on behalf of the factory.

Efforts to reach Githongo Tea Factory’s management were also futile as reporters were not allowed to the premises.

NO AGREEMENT

One of the tea farmers in the area, Mr Johanna Mbaabu, called on the county government to quickly resolve the impasse so that farmers could have tea seedlings to plant before the rains subside.

“If the matter is not resolved amicably, it will be a very big setback to the economy of this area,” he said.

Central Imenti Sub-County administrator Martin Mutuma said he was working to settle the matter.

He said no formal agreement had been reached between the two institutions and noted he would invite both parties to discuss the issue.

“We have, however, resolved to have the polytechnic compensated to a tune of Sh120,000 and are waiting for KTDA to meet their part of the agreement,” Mr Mutuma said.