NTV-NEWS-UPDATE-GIF-HD
Anger, frustrations over aborted KTDA elections
Tea factory directors elections set for Friday flopped due to delays in the printing of ballot papers amid blame games between the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Tea Board of Kenya.
The elections were to kick off at 7 am but IEBC cited challenges in the delivery of voting materials.
However, farmers who had turned out early in the morning to cast their vote in the first secret ballot election left after waiting for hours.
The memo sent on Friday, June 28, morning stated that voting would start at 11 am.
“The delay has been occasioned by the late certification of the register of voters and unforeseen public demonstrations that interrupted the printing and movement of ballot papers,” said a statement by IEBC national returning officer Martin Nyaga.
In Murang’a County farmers complained that the flopped elections might be used to rig in unpopular aspirants.
Those affected were 10 coffee factories in the county.
A farmer at Kanyenyaini tea factory, Ms Elizabeth Mwangi said the elections were expected to end leadership wrangles.
A former tea factory director in Meru, who is familiar with the election preparations, told Nation that the delay was a result of a failure in the IEBC and the Tea Board of Kenya.
“The Tea Board of Kenya received money from Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) but paid IEBC very late. We understand that the printing of ballot papers started on Thursday. They are using the public protests as a scapegoat,” the former director said.
Delays
An IEBC official who spoke in confidence also said printing of materials had been delayed.
The IEBC was tasked with overseeing the elections in 54 Small Holder Tea Factories in 15 counties to ensure a free, fair and credible process.
But several candidates who spoke to Nation said the IEBC’s credibility was at stake.
“There is total confusion across the tea zones. We are now trying to manage farmers so that they don’t abandon the process,” said Mr Paul Ringera, a candidate.
In Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Nyeri, farmers accused the IEBC of being inefficient and threatened to boycott the polls if the electoral body officials didn’t explain why the polls had been delayed.
“They should tell us what is wrong or else we go back to our respective homes without casting votes,” said Ms Alice Wandia, a farmer in Kirinyaga.
Nation’s spot check
A spot check by the Nation established that farmers started streaming into the polling stations as early as 5 am.
As late as 3 pm, farmers were still stranded at various polling stations.
In South Rift, similar challenges characterized KTDA elections in the region.
Small-scale tea growers in Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru and Narok counties expressed their frustrations over the delay in opening polling stations.
Mr Robert Korir, the chairman of KTDA tea buying centre in Chepchabas, Konoin constituency of Bomet county said hundreds of farmers had converged at the polling station from early morning in the hope the election material would be delivered.
“We have not received any information on the cause of the delay or whether new timelines had been set by IEBC and KTDA,” Mr Korir said.
Ms Catherine Ketoek, a tea grower said the elderly were the most affected as they had been brought to the polling stations early in the morning to vote and then returned to their homes.
“Women and the elderly had to camp for hours at the buying centres,” Ms Ketoek said.
Mr Simon Chepkwony and Mr Philip Koech, speaking on behalf of the farmers in the region, said some of them had taken a few hours off from their workstations to vote, but had been forced to return without casting their ballots due to the delays.
“Unfortunately, we have to go back to work without casting our votes,” Mr Chepkwony said.
In Kisii and Nyamira counties, elections had not started by 3 pm.
Farmers thronged the 15 tea factories and tea buying centres in the larger Gusii region from as early as 7 am.
“We have been outside this factory since morning, waiting to cast our votes,” said Mr Peter Nyakundi of Nyamache factory in Kisii.
“We are waiting for a way forward. There is scanty information on why the exercise is not going on,” said Mary Moraa of Ogembo factory.
–Reported by Vitalis Kimtai, Ruth Mbula, David Muchui, George Munene, Mercy Mwende and Mwangi Muiruri
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.