The Kipsigis community is set to retain its Ksh 1 billion payout and 15 percent shareholding in the sale of multinational tea estates to Browns International Plc following fresh assurances during high-level consultations in Kericho.
Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai hosted senior officials from Browns International Plc, led by Head of Operations Dr. Oleg Pilebsky, for talks focused on unresolved issues surrounding the acquisition of multinational tea estates in Kericho and Bomet counties.
Central to the discussions was the implementation of the 15 percent community ownership agreement and the framework for disbursing the KSh 1 billion allocated to the two counties.
County officials and representatives from Browns International Plc reviewed various options aimed at fast-tracking the completion of the transaction while safeguarding the interests of the local community.
The parties also agreed to establish a joint framework driven by public participation to guide the completion of the remaining processes in the coming days.
The meeting further addressed concerns over employment opportunities for residents amid growing mechanization in the tea sector. Leaders noted that the tea estates remain a critical pillar of the economy in Kericho and neighbouring regions.
Governor Mutai reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to protecting community interests while ensuring the transaction delivers long-term economic gains for residents.
Browns Investments PLC acquired James Finlay Kenya’s tea estates business from Finlays in a deal first announced in May 2023. At the time, Finlays said it had selected Browns Investments PLC as the approved buyer due to its “strong legacy of guiding its tea estates to continued growth,” as well as its commitment to sustainability and support for workers and local communities.
James Finlay Kenya is one of the country’s leading tea growers, manufacturers and suppliers. The company operates across 10,300 hectares, including 5,200 hectares of tea fields spread over nine tea estates.
The transaction covered all operations of James Finlay Kenya Ltd, excluding the Saosa tea extraction facility, which remains under Finlays’ ownership and now operates as Finlays Extracts, Kenya.
