Tea farmers in Zone 5, comprising factories in Kirinyaga County, have been encouraged to prioritize harvesting high-quality tea leaves to secure better prices and higher annual bonuses.
Speaking at the Ndima Tea Factory in Ndia during the annual general meeting for the fiscal year ending June 30, the directors emphasized the importance of adhering to the recommended standard of plucking two leaves and a bud. They noted that failure to maintain quality has led to disappointing bonus payments for many farmers.
Enhancing Quality Standards
John Mithamo, Chairperson of Zone 5 and Director at Ndima Tea Factory, highlighted the critical role quality plays in ensuring the success of the tea industry.
“The future of the tea industry depends on meeting quality standards. This will boost productivity, ensure better prices, and create a sustainable future for Kenyan tea farmers,” Mithamo said.
To incentivize quality, Zone 5 factories—Ndima, Thumaita, Kimunye, Kangaita, and Mununga—resolved to reject substandard tea leaves at buying centers, ensuring farmers adhering to quality standards are duly rewarded.
Strict Measures and Farmer Collaboration
Thumaita Tea Factory Director Richard Magu underscored the need for competition and announced stricter measures against poor-quality leaves.
“We will no longer accept substandard tea at our buying centers. Farmers must work closely with directors to ensure reforms are implemented smoothly,” Magu stated.
Cost Reduction and Profit Maximization
Solomon Maina, KTDA Chairperson for Management Services, outlined efforts to maximize profits for farmers. Key measures include:
- Reducing management fees from 2.5% to 1.5%.
- Shifting the cost of secondary staff payments from factories to KTDA.
“We are committed to implementing strategies that will make the tea business more profitable for shareholders,” Maina assured farmers.
Challenges and Reforms
Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe noted that political interference had previously hindered the tea sector. He called for the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) to focus on market development and oversight while leaving management to KTDA and the farmers.
Kagombe also attributed the sector’s improving payouts to the reforms and effective KTDA management.
However, the tea industry continues to face challenges, including:
- High energy costs.
- Labour disputes.
- Climate change.
- Limited inputs.
- Regulatory hurdles.
Conclusion
As reforms reshape the tea industry, farmers are urged to maintain quality as a priority to maximize earnings and ensure the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods. Directors and government leaders are calling for unity and collaboration to overcome challenges and fully realize the potential of Kenya’s tea sector.
