By Dorothy Musyoka
The Tea Subsector in Kenya, a vital pillar of the country’s economy, is on the verge of a transformative journey one of the reasons why the government has reignited the conversation on the reforms for the benefit of over 800,000 smallholder tea farmers across the nation.
Speaking during a conclusion induction workshop for the newly elected Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) factory directors in Mombasa Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who has been spearheading in coffee and tea sectors reforms, highlighted the governments commitment in the sector.
This workshop, attended by key stakeholders, industry experts, and policymakers, marked a pivotal moment for the tea industry as it focuses on aligning production, processing, marketing, and value addition with institutional, policy, and legal frameworks that will enhance the sector’s sustainability and profitability.
During the workshop, the voice of the farmer was at the forefront, highlighting the Administration’s commitment to ensuring that smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries but active participants in shaping the future of the tea industry.
“The Tea Subsector Reforms discussion is a national discourse, which the Ruto Administration deliberately re-awakened for the good of the over 800,000 small-holder Tea farmers,” stated the DP.
The discussions centered on creating an inclusive approach that addresses the farmers’ challenges, promotes transparency, and fosters equitable value distribution among all players in the tea sector.
Speaking at the closing of the induction workshop, various leaders emphasized the critical role that the new KTDA factory directors would play in driving the reform agenda.
They urged the directors to approach their mandate with dedication, innovation, and a forward-looking vision, recognizing that their actions would directly impact the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers and, by extension, the broader Kenyan economy.
“Congratulations to the newly elected directors of the KTDA; ahead of you, great work awaits and milestones to be accomplished,” added DP Gachagua.
The Government of Kenya, has underscored its commitment to the tea sector’s revitalization with an aim to empower farmers, enhance value addition, and streamline institutional structures that support growth and sustainability.
However by prioritizing reforms across the entire value chain from production and processing to marketing and policy frameworks the Administration is setting a strong foundation for the tea sector’s future.