KTDA Elects James Omweno Ombasa as New Vice Chairman
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By John Kariuki
The Kenya Tea Development Agency Holdings Limited (KTDA) has elected Mr. James Omweno Ombasa as the new Vice Chairman of its Board of Directors, marking a fresh chapter in the agency’s leadership.
The election took place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Enashipai Resort & Spa in Naivasha, and was officially certified by Returning Officer, CS Mathews Ouma Odero, who signed and sealed the certificate of election.
Mr. Ombasa, a committed tea grower, was declared the winner of the vice chairmanship contest, reflecting the confidence that stakeholders have in his leadership. His appointment is expected to inject new energy and vision into KTDA at a time when the tea industry is undergoing significant reforms.
As Vice Chairman, Mr. Ombasa will deputize the newly elected Chairman, Mr. Chege Kirundi, in steering KTDA toward greater transparency, efficiency, and improved farmer welfare. Guided by the agency’s “Farmers First” philosophy, he aims to put more money into the pockets of smallholder farmers and uplift their livelihoods.
Mr. Ombasa has pledged to strengthen ongoing reforms while advancing bold strategies to expand the tea sector. His agenda includes promoting direct global sales of Kenyan tea and exploring new markets to secure better returns for farmers, while reinforcing Kenya’s status as the world’s leading exporter of black tea.
Stakeholders have welcomed his election with optimism, confident that his leadership will empower farmers, enhance governance, and promote sustainable growth. His vision aligns with KTDA’s mission of enhancing farmer livelihoods and cementing Kenya’s global reputation for premium-quality tea.
With Mr. Ombasa as Vice Chairman, KTDA is poised to reinforce its role as the backbone of the smallholder tea sector, supporting over 600,000 farmers who rely on tea for their livelihoods.
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