Court suspends new tea levy
Tuesday January 19 2021
By SAM KIPLAGAT
Summary
The High Court Monday temporarily suspended a new levy on tea sales, pending the determination of a case filed by 15 tea companies.
Justice Anthony Mrima also suspended sections of the Tea Act, which compels processors and manufacturers of tea to offer their produce for auction, save for orthodox and specialty teas.
The law, which came into effect on January 11, says all teas should be offered at the tea auction floor.
The High Court Monday temporarily suspended a new levy on tea sales, pending the determination of a case filed by 15 tea companies.
Multinationals challenge new tea law
Friday January 15 2021
By SAM KIPLAGAT
Summary
In a petition filed under a certificate of urgency, the multi-nationals under the Kenya Tea Growers Association, argue that Sections 36, 48, and 53 of the law, were enacted in a manner inconsistent with the Constitution.
The tea estates including James Finlay, Kapchorua Tea Plc Ltd, Kipkebe Ltd, Nandi Tea Estates, Williamson Tea Plc and Sotik Highlands Tea Estates Ltd, said the sections will have catastrophic impact on tea producers and the industry as a whole, if left in their current form.
Fifteen large-scale tea growers have challenged sections of the recently enacted tea law, saying they are discriminatory and will cause them losses.