Plans by European private equity group CVC Capital Partners to sell tea estates it purchased from Unilever in Kenya less than three years ago have run into headwinds as a consortium of local cooperatives fight to rival Sri Lanka's Browns Investment Plc and agricultural firm Sasini for the multi-billion shilling assets.

....community groups and a consortium of local cooperative societies stepped up a fight to be included in bids for the Lipton Tea assets, which include tea plantations and leaf processing factories.

...an association of communities from Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Nandi, and Narok counties has backed an expression of interest by a consortium of co-operatives led by Sinendet Tea Multipurpose Co-operative in buying the estates on behalf of locals.

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"...Lipton Teas and Infusions is doing a good job within these lands in Kipsigis country and we wish to applaud you on that and also your endorsement of the UN guiding principles on business and human rights, the International Labour Organisation's declaration on fundamental principles and promote the land rights of the local communities" the Kipsigis Community Clans Organisation said in a letter to Lipton's board last month.

"This includes your company's commitment to adhere to the principles of free, prior and informed consent with regard to the use and transfer of property or land. This is an important and historic issue for us as Kipsigis people who are the local community whose lands were taken by force", the letter further stated.

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