The new chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA), Mr Chege Kirundi. PHOTO/UGC.
By FRED KOECH
Tea farmers across the country have expressed overwhelming support for, Mr Chege Kirundi, the new chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA).
Kirundi’s election was confirmed on January 23, 2025, when he replaced Enos Njeru, and has garnered overwhelming support from tea farmers across the country, reflecting their expectations for positive changes in the industry.
Many farmers have expressed confidence in Kirundi’s leadership saying he has been a proponent of significant reforms in the tea industry, including the enactment of the Tea Act 2020.
His leadership is seen as a continuation of efforts to enhance farmers’ earnings and improve the overall management of tea production in Kenya.
Kirundi’s track record as a board member for Zone Three in Murang’a County and his role at Kiru Tea Factory Company PLC have positioned him as a strong advocate for smallholder farmers.
His commitment to addressing issues such as price fluctuations and market access has resonated positively with many in the tea farming community.
Despite some optimism, there are apprehensions about ongoing government interference in the management of tea factories. The KTDA board has recently criticised government actions that they believe have undermined farmers’ incomes like removing reserve tea prices at auctions without adequate consultation.
This has led to a decline in tea prices, raising concerns among farmers about their financial stability. Some farmers are cautious about how effectively Kirundi will implement necessary reforms amidst existing challenges, including infrastructure issues and market dynamics.
There is a call for improved road infrastructure to facilitate better access to markets and factories, which remains a pressing concern for many farmers.
Kirundi’s election as KTDA chairman is viewed positively by many tea farmers who hope for continued reforms and better representation, though there are significant concerns about government interference and the practical implementation of policies that directly affect farmers livelihoods.
Tea pickers in a tea plantation in Kenya. PHOTO/UGC
Kirundi holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. He is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and possesses several professional qualifications, including being a qualified Notary Public, a certified Public Secretary (CPS), and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIP).
His legal career includes serving as a State Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers, and he currently practices law with Kirundi & Company Advocates.
Kirundi has been instrumental in advocating for reforms within the tea sector, notably leading efforts that culminated in the enactment of the 2020 Tea Act.
This legislation aimed to enhance transparency and fairness in tea pricing and distribution, addressing long-standing issues faced by smallholder tea farmers.
His active involvement as a board member for Zone Three in Murang’a County has positioned him as a key figure in representing farmers’ interests. As chairman of KTDA, Kirundi will oversee an organisation that is pivotal to approximately 600,000 smallholder tea farmers across 16 counties in Kenya.
The KTDA manages 54 tea companies and nine subsidiaries that are crucial for value addition within the tea industry. His leadership is expected to bring about significant changes that align with farmers’ needs and expectations, particularly regarding fair dividends and sustainable farming practices.
With Kirundi at the helm of KTDA, there are high expectations from tea farmers for reforms that could lead to improved livelihoods.
His election is seen as a victory for not only Murang’a County’s tea farmers but all farmers across the country, who anticipate a more responsive leadership that prioritises their welfare.
The challenges ahead include navigating complex market dynamics and ensuring that policy changes effectively benefit all stakeholders involved in Kenya’s tea production.
Kirundi’s election as KTDA chairman marks a new chapter for the Kenyan tea sector, with hopes pinned on his leadership to drive meaningful reforms and enhance the sustainability of tea farming in the country.
