The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has raised the alarm over political interference in the tea sector. The agency says the ongoing disruptions are threatening the stability of the industry and the livelihoods of smallholder tea farmers.
At a press briefing, the KTDA Holdings Board outlined numerous instances of interference by government officials and politicians. According to the board, these actions have undermined factory management and reduced farmers’ incomes.
A key issue is the removal of the reserve price for tea at the Mombasa auction by the Ministry of Agriculture. This was done without consulting the KTDA directors, resulting in a sharp drop in tea prices. In addition, unilateral decisions to separate satellite factories from their parent factories have disregarded farmers’ property rights, causing further unrest.
The Michimikuru tea factory has become a focal point in the dispute. In June 2024, shareholders held a democratic election to appoint a new board of directors. However, dissatisfied shareholders later organised an illegal meeting, resulting in a contested board. Although a court order halted further resolutions, political leaders and police officers disrupted the factory’s annual general meeting in December 2024.
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The KTDA also expressed concern about the negative publicity generated by these disputes. The board said this had discouraged international buyers from buying Kenyan tea. As a result, market absorption has declined, resulting in lower incomes for farmers.
“We appeal to all stakeholders to resolve disputes through dialogue and respect elected bodies,” KTDA urged. KTDA has called on the government to respect legal processes and corporate governance principles. The agency has also sought an audience with President William Ruto to discuss these pressing concerns.Meanwhile, KTDA has assured stakeholders of its commitment to transparency and accountability.
