Patmoz
The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has flagged off the first consignment of 30,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser at the Port of Mombasa for distribution to 71 KTDA-managed factories across the country.
The fertiliser, imported from China, forms part of KTDA’s continued commitment to supporting smallholder tea farmers with affordable, high-quality farm inputs to enhance productivity and improve tea quality.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, KTDA Chairman Chege Kirundi said the initiative underscores the agency’s dedication to empowering tea growers and strengthening Kenya’s position as a global leader in premium tea production.
“We are here today to oversee the dispatch of 30,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser destined for all KTDA-managed factories across the country. This reflects KTDA’s unwavering commitment to supporting smallholder tea farmers with affordable and quality inputs,” said Mr. Kirundi.
Under the leadership of KTDA Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer Wilson Muthaura, the agency has implemented wide-ranging reforms to enhance farmer welfare, streamline operations, and ensure timely access to essential inputs.
Mr. Muthaura has been credited for driving a farmer-centered transformation agenda, advocating for better green leaf prices, improved transparency in factory management, and stronger partnerships to ensure sustainability in the tea value chain.
Through collaboration with the Government and international partners, KTDA continues to lower input costs, improve market access, and secure long-term benefits for over 600,000 smallholder tea farmers represented by the agency.
The fertiliser distribution is expected to significantly reduce production costs ahead of the next planting season — a major boost to farmers and a reaffirmation of KTDA’s role in driving the growth and prosperity of Kenya’s tea industry
Shadrack Nyakoe
