The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) is intensifying
efforts to expand value addition and tap into new international markets in a
bid to stabilise tea prices and deliver better returns to farmers.
Speaking during the Nairobi International Trade Fair, KTDA
Chairman Chege Kirundi said the agency is keen on increasing exports to China
and other global destinations at a time when farmers across the country are
voicing concerns over reduced bonuses this year.
He urged tea growers not to lose hope and appealed to
factories to take value addition more seriously.
“Farmers should not give up hope. We are keen on ensuring
that tea factories invest in value addition because this is the surest way to
guarantee sustainable income,” Kirundi said.
He revealed that by the year 2028, KTDA is targeting to have
at least 40 percent of Kenya’s tea exports processed and value-added under the
agency’s ChaiGold brand.
According to him, KTDA is also leveraging its office in Dubai to expand its market base, selling Kenyan tea to buyers in the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Middle East, Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and other regions.
“We want Kenyan tea to compete at the top end of the global
market. Value addition through ChaiGold and other brands will ensure our
farmers reap maximum benefits,” he added.
The renewed focus comes against a backdrop of mounting
discontent from tea farmers, particularly in the West of the Rift Valley, who
have complained about lower bonus payouts compared to farmers in the East.
However, KTDA Board Member G.G. Kagombe, who is also the
Member of Parliament for Gatundu South, dismissed claims of regional bias.
He insisted that
prices are determined purely by the quality of leaf delivered to factories and
not by geographical location.
“There is no discrimination. Each factory is independent, and prices are determined purely by the quality of leaf delivered. If farmers want better pay, then we must collectively focus on improving quality,” Kagombe said.
KTDA Chief Executive Officer Wilson Muthaura added that the
agency is encouraging factories to diversify into orthodox tea production,
which is gaining popularity in global markets and fetching higher prices than
conventional teas.
“Orthodox tea is already trading at the Mombasa auction and
attracting strong interest from premium buyers. If factories embrace this
product, it will significantly boost earnings for farmers,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, KTDA showcased its strength at this
year’s Nairobi International Trade Fair where it won seven awards, including
accolades for best agro-processing stand, best local manufacturer, and best
strategies in international trade and exports.
Kirundi said the recognition demonstrated KTDA’s commitment
to innovation and competitiveness.
“These awards prove that KTDA is on the right track. Our
farmers deserve better, and we will continue pushing boundaries to secure their
future,” he said.
