Bomet and Kericho counties are still reacting to James Finlay’s decision to sell its tea business to Browns Investment PLC, a Sri Lankan company.
The National Land Commission (NLC) recently instructed the county administration to expedite the resurveying of the enormous tea farms to determine the exact size, and members of the Bomet County Assembly are the latest to respond to the action. The MCAs agreed through a motion that it was imperative to act quickly and make sure the exercise is completed before Finlay finalizes the transaction with Browns Investment.
The MCAs responded to the motion made by Wesley Kiprotich, an MCA from Chepchabas, by saying Finlay should wrap up its operations following the resurveying of the area. Kiprotich deemed Finlay’s decision to divest itself of its business to be dubious. The ward representative said that Finlays should be held accountable before turning over the company to the new investor because Finlays had long benefited from the property.
In order to prevent James Finlays from selling off what is not actually under them, according to Kiprotich, a resurveying is urgently required. The 15% chunk Finlay intended to donate to the neighborhood, according to the Chepchabas MCA, may be the additional land they have been using without permission and are trying to avoid being held accountable for.
He claimed that James Finlays and other multinational tea corporations may be selling off land to private investors unlawfully if no action is taken. He claimed that James Finlays and other multinational tea corporations may be selling off land to private investors unlawfully if no action is taken.
The surplus land that would be obtained through the procedure will assist the County Government earn more cash, according to Kimulot MCA Eric Kirui, who seconded the motion.
The Multinational Tea Companies were urged to participate and assist the process, and he issued a warning that any resistance would result in legal repercussions that might put an end to the sale of their company. He backed the proposal, arguing that animosity between tea firms and the nearby community was rising.
In supporting the motion, Paul Kirui, the leader of the majority, was joined by Nathan Kibet (Kapletundo), Rosaline Cheptoo (Rongena Manaret), and Stephen Changmorik (Longisa).