KTDA Chairman Champions Sustainability and Innovation Ahead of International Tea Day
0
0
By John Kariuki
KTDA Holdings National Chairman, Mr. Chege Kirundi, has reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and farmer empowerment as the foundation for the future of Kenya’s tea industry.
Speaking during a tree planting exercise at Kagongo Primary School in Murang’a County — within the Gacharage Tea Factory catchment — Mr. Kirundi led KTDA’s pre-International Tea Day celebrations with a call for integrating environmental conservation with agricultural productivity.
“Tree planting alongside tea farming is more than an environmental gesture — it is a strategic investment in our future,” said Mr. Kirundi. “We are safeguarding the prosperity of future generations while preserving Kenya’s position as a global leader in premium tea.”
The event drew farmers, community members, and industry stakeholders in a shared commitment to sustainable practices. Mr. Kirundi highlighted KTDA’s broader strategy to strengthen the tea sector through farmer training, research, digitization, and market diversification — key elements in building a more resilient and competitive tea value chain.
He also paid tribute to Kenya’s smallholder farmers, hailing them as the backbone of the industry and the driving force behind the country’s global tea reputation.
“This day is both a celebration of our heritage and a call to action,” he said. “Our farmers are the lifeblood of this industry. Their resilience and dedication continue to make Kenyan tea the gold standard worldwide.”
The tree planting activity is part of KTDA’s ongoing sustainability agenda and aligns with Kenya’s national climate action targets, including efforts to restore forest cover and combat the effects of climate change.
About The Author
