KTDA Elections: Farmers have taken charge of the future and direction of the tea sector in Kenya through the election of KTDA directors. The elections started with the nullification of the fraudulent election of KTDA factory directors in 2019, through the action of three tea farmers.
The signing of The TEA Bill into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta reassured over 600,000 tea farmers in Kenya of radical policy and structural reforms in the tea sector. It assured farmers of better returns through the purging of cartels and middlemen, overhauling old and tired leadership at KTDA and factories, and forcing KTDA to focus on marketing and value addition.
President Uhuru Kenyatta assured the tea farmers of his commitment to the full implementation of the bill through Executive Order No 3 of 2021. The President recognized the need for the realignment of KTDA in favour of small scale farmers. He directed the Attorney General to conduct an inquiry into conflict of interest in KTDA and sets limit for KTDA directors and chairmen.
The president further directed that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior & Co-ordination of National Government, jointly with the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries & Co-operatives, and the Hon. Attorney-General, ensure the immediate and full implementation of the order.
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The tea farmers will now follow a strict timetable issued by Hon Peter Munya, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, with Muranga farmers taking the lead in Njunu, Nduti, Makomboki, Ikumbi, Githambo & Kanyenyaini tea factories.
The Ministry of Interior further issued an order to county commissioners to ensure order and security during these elections. The Kenya tea sector lobby urges the tea farmers to take this historical opportunity to vote in only credible directors who have the interest of the farmers at heart.
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