Photo/FILE Factory workers load tea leaves on the conveyor belts after weighing to be processed.
Hundreds of workers in the tea and flower sectors are at risk of losing jobs due to power rationing.
The Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) said some 200,000 workers in the tea industry and more than 100,000 others in the flower sector are likely to be laid off due to a decline in the production rate.
“Some companies have resorted to having their employees operating on shifts to help cut down on production costs,” said KPAWU national treasurer Joshua Oyuga.
He said other companies were resorting to generators to operate during blackouts, which translates to huge costs.
“The increased cost of fuel means some tea and flower companies have to operate for less hours with a limited number of workers,” said Mr Oyuga.
Kenya Power is faced with a shortage of 90 megawatts, which has to be obtained from emergency generators, resulting in higher bills.
At the same time, the Public Investment Committee has asked the government to come up with subsidised power and water tariffs to cushion Kenyans against the high cost of living.
Speaking during a fact-finding mission at Kirandich Dam in Baringo County on Monday, the committee chairman, Mr Mithika Linthuri, said that it was the government’s duty to ensure Kenyans lead decent lives.
Mr Linthuri, who is also the Igembe South MP, stressed the need for concerted efforts among all stakeholders in addressing the power crisis.
He stressed the need for the government to invest in hydro-power generation to address the problem.
In Kisumu County, Agro Chemical and Food Company marketing manager Caleb Oguya said: “Power rationing is affecting us badly.”
Kisumu-based Spectre International Ltd sales and marketing director Ruth Adhiambo said: “Whenever there is a power cut and 50,000 litres of molasses are not processed, the firm makes a loss of Sh4 million.”
In Kericho said they anticipated losses due to the power rationing. Kericho Chamber of Commerce chairman Samson Koskei said the business community was bracing for losses.
By Abiud Ochieng, Erick Oloo, Nyambega Gisesa and Benedict Tirop
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