Kirundi’s transformative agenda for tea farmers

Chege Kirundi’s envisaged reforms at KTDA aim to deliver improved returns for the country’s 680,000 smallholder tea farmers. PHOTO/UGC.

By FRED SOME

newshub@eyewitness.africa

Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) chairman, Chege Kirundi, has outlined an ambitious strategic agenda aimed at repositioning the country’s tea industry as a globally competitive, sustainable, and farmer-centric enterprise.

His reform plan is designed to address systemic inefficiencies, enhance operational transparency, and deliver improved returns for the country’s 680,000 smallholder tea farmers.

At the core of Mr Kirundi’s strategy is a commitment to ethical governance and financial sustainability, with a guiding principle of “farmers first”. Under his leadership, KTDA is seeking to balance commercial viability with environmental and social responsibility, in alignment with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

Kenya’s tea sector has long grappled with volatile international pricing, production inefficiencies, governance shortcomings, and declining farmer satisfaction. KTDA itself has faced scrutiny over alleged mismanagement and insufficient value delivery to its stakeholders. Mr Kirundi, however, views these longstanding issues as opportunities for deep structural reform.

He is spearheading a transformation grounded in transparency, accountability, and innovation—focusing on strengthening internal governance, reducing operational costs, and enhancing the agency’s responsiveness to farmer needs.

Mr Kirundi’s reform agenda features several key pillars that includes operational efficiency. Modern technologies and digital platforms will be adopted to streamline production, processing, and marketing activities. These include advanced farming methods, automated factory processes, and data-driven logistics systems. Human capital development is a key pillar Mr Kirundi’s KTDA plans.

He wants to see KTDA invest heavily in training programmes for farmers and factory workers, aimed at improving agricultural practices, boosting productivity, and ensuring consistent quality standards.

He is also keen on market diversification. Here he wants to see the agency plans to expand its footprint in both local and international markets through strategic partnerships and product diversification. Value-added services such as trading entities, insurance services, and packaging firms will reduce reliance on bulk tea exports and improve profitability.

The KTDA chairman is focused on sustainable practices that includes environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance. These initiatives will focus on responsible farming, waste reduction, and sustainable energy use, reinforcing Kenya’s reputation as a leader in ethical tea production.

Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) chairman, Chege Kirundi with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe. PHOTO/UGC.

On matters governance and transparency, Mr Kirundi wants the introduction of robust auditing mechanisms, transparent financial reporting, and performance metrics to enhance accountability. A framework of clear performance indicators will track profitability, operational effectiveness, and market growth.

Farmer inclusion and empowerment are pivotal components of the new leadership approach. Through structured consultation forums, farmers will be directly involved in the agency’s decision-making processes. This participatory model aims to restore stakeholder trust and ensure that reforms reflect the priorities of the farming community.

Additionally, KTDA is evaluating its cost structures to identify areas for efficiency gains. By renegotiating market prices and improving internal logistics, Kirundi aims to maximise net returns to farmers.

Mr Kirundi’s strategy aligns closely with the Tea Act of 2020, which introduced wide-ranging reforms to improve governance, fairness, and accountability within the sector. His leadership aims to operationalise these legislative objectives by embedding reform within the agency’s corporate culture and strategic planning.

Mr Kirundi envisions a future where KTDA is not only a dominant player by volume but a global benchmark for quality, sustainability, and ethical trade. His long-term plan involves fostering collaboration among government bodies, private investors, and producer cooperatives to create a resilient and inclusive supply chain ecosystem.

By enhancing the industry’s global reputation, Mr Kirundi’s reforms are expected to attract foreign investment and drive long-term sectoral growth. The envisioned transformation will enable KTDA to deliver superior outcomes for farmers while securing Kenya’s position in the international tea market.

Mr Kirundi’s leadership represents a decisive shift in the strategic direction of KTDA. His comprehensive reform plan—centred on innovation, governance, and inclusivity—has the potential to address long-standing sectoral challenges and unlock new growth opportunities.

If effectively implemented, the transformation could herald a new era for Kenya’s tea industry, characterised by improved farmer livelihoods, stronger institutional integrity, and enhanced global competitiveness.