Senate Majority Leader and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has written to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over two stalled hydropower projects—Settet and Kipsonoi—spearheaded by Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Power Company in Bomet County.
In his letter dated March 18, 2026, and addressed to the EACC CEO, Cheruiyot noted that the delays have burdened smallholder tea farmers with high electricity costs for the last 12 years, despite their contributions toward the projects.
“I write in public interest for and on behalf of concerned smallholder tea farmers to request your office to investigate the stalled Settet Small Hydro Power Project on Chemosit River in Kericho County and the failure to commence the Kipsonoi Hydropower Project in Bomet County,” read the letter in part.
“These projects were initiated by KTDA to address the rising cost of electricity, which is a major contributor of the high cost of production affecting smallholder tea factories across the country.”
Aaron Cheruiyot Urges EACC to Probe Stalled KTDA Hydropower Projects
According to the Senator, KTDA established KTDA Power Company Limited to develop Small Hydropower Projects (SHPs) to supply reliable, affordable electricity to tea factories.
The company was also expected to generate additional revenue by selling surplus power to the national grid, thereby helping to mitigate the rising costs of electricity.
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The Settet Hydropower Project, designed to generate approximately 2.6 MW, was financed through equity contributions from KTDA-managed tea factory companies in the two counties, amounting to Ksh 978 million.
These funds were deducted from farmers’ earnings with the expectation that the project would reduce electricity costs and improve farmer returns.
However, Cheruiyot stated that since 2014, farmers have yet to realize any benefits from this investment.
The project was expected to provide reliable and affordable electricity to tea factories, reducing the cost of production for farmers.
It was also designed to generate additional revenue by selling surplus electricity to the national grid, boost dividends and overall earnings for tea farmers, and stabilize power supply within the factories.
“Despite the significant investment by farmers, the Settet Hydropower Project remains stalled and significantly behind schedule,” the letter read further.
Cheruiyot pointed out that the Kipsonoi Hydropower Project in Bomet County, proposed to further support tea factories in the region, has yet to commence construction.
He added that continued delays and lack of progress have raised serious concerns about the potential loss or mismanagement of funds contributed by tea farmers, as well as possible misappropriation or diversion of project resources.
Cheruiyot is calling for a comprehensive investigation and forensic audit to establish whether funds were mismanaged or misappropriated, and to examine procurement and project management practices.
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Cheruiyot Lists 4 Requests to EACC
In his petition, he requests that the office:
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Institute a thorough investigation into the planning, procurement, financing, and implementation of the Settet Small Hydropower Project on the Chemosit River in Kericho County.
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Investigate why the Kipsonoi Hydropower Project in Bomet County has not commenced despite prior commitments.
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Conduct a forensic audit of all funds contributed by KTDA-managed tea factories and farmers toward the Settet Hydropower Project and related energy initiatives.
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Examine procurement processes, contractual arrangements, and project management decisions to determine compliance with applicable laws and governance standards.
Senator Aaron Cheruiyot at a past function. PHOTO/Aaron Cheruiyot X
