Controversy-dogged James Finlay Tea sold

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Sri Lankan Browns buys multinational tea firm James Finlay
THURSDAY MAY 04 2023
A tea plucking machine in operation at a tea estate in Kericho county.

A tea plucking machine in operation at a tea estate in Kericho. FILE PHOTO | VITALIS KIMUTAI | NMG

Sri Lankan firm Browns Investment Plc has bought an undisclosed stake in multinational tea firm James Finlay Kenya in a deal that will see locals hold a 15 percent ownership through a co-operative.

Finlay, with farms in Kericho and Bomet counties, will also retain the Saosa tea extraction facility, which will be used to source and process green leaves from outgrowers.

Finlay Kenya’s managing director, Simeon Hutchinson, said the deal would be completed in the next few months.

“We undertook a rigorous process when identifying a buyer for this unique business, prioritising what was best for James Finlay Kenya and its community,” James Woodrow, Finlays group MD, said.

The multinational has had long-running disputes with local communities, trade unions and county governments over mechanisation of its tea estates, which resulted in massive layoffs of pluckers.

“As part of the sales agreement Browns and Finlays have mutually agreed to acknowledge the long-standing support of the local community by selling 15 percent of shares in James Finlay Kenya to a locally owned co-operative,” the firm said.

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Mr Hutchinson said talks are ongoing with the unnamed co-operative.

He said the sales deal would not affect the terms of current employees.

Browns is part of the LOLC Holdings conglomerate, which acquired Finlays tea estates in Sri Lanka two years ago.
 
As part of the sales agreement Browns and Finlays have mutually agreed to acknowledge the long-standing support of the local community by selling 15 percent of shares in James Finlay Kenya to a locally owned co-operative,” the firm said.
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I think we should be lobbying the county government to seek alternative arrangements, such as renting out the land to the firm rather than direct ownership by the firm for another 100 years. This way, they can make the land available to citizens as need arises. Nimepata facebook page yao. Nikichukuliwa na DCI mtakuwa mnaniletea breakfast.
 
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This sale of James Finlay Kenya to Browns Investments is indeed a complex situation, especially given the controversies surrounding the company in recent years. The decision to give 15% ownership to a local co-operative is a step in the right direction, acknowledging the long-standing support of the community. However, it’s clear that the company has faced challenges with local workers and county governments, particularly with mechanization leading to layoffs.

It’s unfortunate to see the company being sold again, and I can understand the frustration from the local community. The idea of lobbying for alternative land arrangements, such as renting instead of long-term ownership, is a good point and could ensure that the land continues to benefit the citizens. It’s definitely a topic that needs more discussion and transparency moving forward.
 
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