Nyamira: Tea farming in Nyamira is set to be revitalised after the County Governor signed a memorandum of friendship and cooperation with Songyang County in Zhejiang Province of China. Governor Nyaribo noted that Songyang County grows tea just like Nyamira County to sustain people’s livelihoods, and since they are highly advanced in farming techniques and processing technologies, Nyamira has decided to partner with them to improve its tea farming techniques, boost production, and increase profits.
According to Kenya News Agency, Songyang County in China is greatly advanced in technology in their tea farming venture and highly mechanised in tea processing, giving them an advantage in the tea auction markets where they make more profits. Governor Nyaribo observed that Nyamira has stuck with traditional farming methods despite having similar climate zones to Songyang. Recognising this, the governor explained the need to form a partnership to mentor, train, and impart modern tea farming practices to farmers in N
yamira to reclaim and sustain past bountiful tea yields.
Nyaribo promised that officers from the Department of Agriculture would accompany the guests from Songyang County on tours of tea farms and processing factories within Nyamira. This will provide a comprehensive view of current practices and allow for reliable advice on approaches to improve tea farming and boost yields in the region, making the partnership meaningful.
The Minister in Charge of Protocol from Songyang County, Mr. Li Wei, who led the Chinese delegation, expressed excitement to be in Nyamira and readiness to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture to boost tea production. He appreciated the cool climate and natural ambience of Nyamira, emphasising that the friendship and cooperation would mutually benefit both Nyamira and Songyang counties, strengthening their relationship for growth.
The memorandum signed by Governor Nyaribo and Mr. Li Wei aims to promote exchanges and cooperation in tea farming, achieving a synergy of joint deve
lopment. The cooperation will include mutual training on eco-friendly tea cultivation to improve production and standardise processing technologies, along with exchanging technical personnel through mutual learning.
This mutual friendship will enable both parties to share information on tea culture, market trends, and promote bilateral trade for mutual benefits. Tea farming remains the main source of livelihood for most residents in Nyamira, although recent proceeds have declined. Nyamira County is actively pursuing partnerships and cooperation, including with other countries, to rejuvenate yields and profits in the tea sector, providing hope to vulnerable households reliant on tea farming.