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Nairobi, Kenya – September 17, 2024 – Mr. Enos Njeru, the National Chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), expressed optimism and satisfaction with the progress in the tea sector during a TV interview on Tuesday morning. Speaking confidently about the benefits tea farmers have enjoyed since the tea reforms of 2021, Mr. Njeru highlighted several key improvements in both yields and farmer welfare.
“Since the reforms were initiated in 2021, things have taken a positive turn for tea farmers,” Mr. Njeru remarked. “This year, we exceeded the total yield by over 2 million kilograms compared to previous years. The processed tea reached an impressive 319 million kilograms, up from 267 million kilograms last year.”
Addressing ongoing concerns from some farmers about low bonus payments, Mr. Njeru explained that no two factories can be directly compared, as payment amounts vary depending on performance. He urged farmers to manage their expectations and clarified that the bonuses paid reflect the current market realities and the individual factory’s output.
“Some farmers were given unrealistic expectations regarding bonuses. It’s not that the amounts are low—it’s just that expectations were set too high,” he explained.
This year’s bountiful harvest, he noted, is largely due to the heavy rains that swept across the country, leading to a strong yield. “The rains were truly a blessing, contributing to a remarkable harvest that has made this year’s bonus more rewarding,” Mr. Njeru added.
Mr. Njeru also stressed his commitment to improving the quality of Kenyan tea since taking over leadership of the KTDA in July 2023. He noted that one of his main priorities has been ensuring the timely delivery of fertilizer to farmers. “Although we source our fertilizer from Russia, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has forced the shipping route to take a longer course around South Africa. Nevertheless, KTDA is committed to ensuring timely delivery of fertilizer to farmers.”
In closing, Mr. Njeru warned politicians against politicizing tea farming issues, emphasizing the need for constructive solutions that benefit farmers rather than fueling division.
