The recent election of John Chebochok as the director of Tegat/Toror Tea Factory has sparked controversy due to his involvement in a sex scandal revealed by a BBC exposé titled “Sex for Work.”
This scandal has raised significant concerns among stakeholders about his suitability for the role. In response, the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has urged all tea sector stakeholders to allow them time to address these concerns before confirming the newly elected directors.
KTDA has assured stakeholders of its commitment to upholding ethical standards, emphasizing that unethical behavior such as gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and corruption will not be tolerated.
KTDA clarified that the oversight of director elections is managed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and they do not have direct control over this process. They acknowledged the legal and procedural complexities involved in resolving these concerns and have called for an opportunity to address them before Chebochok’s confirmation is finalized at a special general meeting of the factory’s shareholders.
The situation has prompted reactions from major tea buyers like Finlays and Lipton, who have announced that they will suspend their purchases from Tegat/Toror Tea Factory until the issue is resolved. Both companies have urged other industry partners to follow suit, highlighting the serious nature of the concerns raised.
The controversy surrounding Chebochok’s election underscores broader issues of governance and ethical standards within the Kenyan tea sector. KTDA’s efforts to address these concerns will involve consultations with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in the sector.
