Kenyan tea growing companies have reported losing more Sh100 million ($1.5 million) following the hailstorm that hit the key tea growing district of Kericho two weeks ago.
James Finlays— a tea and flower producer— has announced that it incurred a Sh 48.3 million ($722,000) loss after the storm destroyed its tea and cut flower plantations in Kericho. Out of the total loss, Sh 35.6 million ($530,000) was incurred in the tea farms, while a Sh12.7 million ($190,000) loss occurred on the flower farm. The amount translates into 354,430 kilogrammes of made tea from company’s 10 estates, according to firm’s corporate affairs director, Titus Korir.
Mr. Korir said the company had as a result been forced to send hundreds of its workers —mainly in the tea picking department— on compulsory leave pending the recovery from the storm.
Another major producer of tea, Unilever, said it had lost Sh65 million ($970,000)after its 1,600 hectare farm was hit by hailstorms. The amount translates into a loss of 620 tons of made tea from the company’s Chagaik, Kapkorech, Kimugu and Kapkatugor tea estates. Unilever said 750 hectares of its expansive farm was hit by the storm. Normal operations are expected to resume after two months.
Business Daily Africa
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