Rainforest Alliance, a prominent certification body for sustainable development products, has announced the suspension of its certification for James Finlay (Kenya) Ltd and Ekaterra Tea Kenya Plc.

This decision comes after an investigation into a sexual abuse scandal in Kenya, as exposed in a BBC documentary.

The documentary shed light on widespread sexual abuse allegations involving supervisors on tea estates, with over 70 women coming forward to share their experiences of abuse that had gone on for years.

The Rainforest Alliance conducted audits and confirmed the presence of non-conformities with social and management criteria outlined in the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard for both tea estates.

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As a result, products sold by these companies can no longer carry the Rainforest Alliance’s certification.

The suspension, initially for three months, prohibits the companies from selling or shipping products with a Rainforest Alliance Certified claim.

The Rainforest Alliance emphasized its commitment to combating sexual harassment and gender-based violence in global supply chains.

They view the safety and well-being of workers, especially women, as integral to their certification program and mission.

While Kenyan prosecutors and lawmakers pledged to investigate the accusations after the documentary aired, no judicial action has been taken yet.

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The BBC documentary focused on a plantation formerly owned by Unilever, a UK household goods giant, and another owned by James Finlay.

The victims spoke out about the coercive nature of their supervisors’ demands, with some falling pregnant and one being infected with HIV.

Both companies have expressed their intention to conduct independent investigations into the allegations.