Nairobi: The Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) will supply two million bags of fertiliser to more than 600,000 tea farmers starting next month, following delays in the shipment of the consignment.
According to Kenya News Agency, KTDA National Chairman Enos Njeru announced that the authority had procured 99,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser, equivalent to two million 50-kilogramme bags. These are expected to arrive early next month and will be distributed to farmers immediately. The shipment faced technical and logistical challenges, delaying its arrival and impacting its initial schedule meant for this month.
Njeru also highlighted KTDA’s efforts to diversify markets for Kenyan tea to boost farmers’ earnings, which have been affected by a decline in tea prices recently. The authority is currently awaiting court directions regarding the implementation of a 0.8 percent levy introduced by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, which has been challenged in court by a section of farmers.
In addition to
logistical challenges, KTDA is dealing with allegations of an irregular payment of approximately Sh322.5 million to a fertiliser supplier. This matter is under investigation by relevant authorities, and Njeru emphasized KTDA’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations.
Njeru, addressing tea sector stakeholders in Naivasha, cautioned against the spread of unverified information through social media and irresponsible commentary. He emphasized that the interests of tea farmers should always take precedence.
The KTDA is also strengthening governance and financial discipline within its operations. Njeru welcomed the national government’s grant for replacing old machinery in tea factories, which is expected to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the sector. Moreover, KTDA-managed factories have installed anti-tampering devices to address green leaf fraud linked to weighing scale manipulation, with legal actions promised against offenders.
The fertiliser distribution is a part of the o
ngoing efforts to support the tea sector, a vital component of Kenya’s agricultural economy and foreign exchange earnings. As per the Tea Industry Performance Report by the Tea Board of Kenya, tea export earnings increased to Sh186 billion in 2025. Export volumes rose by 9.81 percent, with domestic sales also seeing a rise, reflecting the sector’s growth despite recent challenges.
Kenya has expanded its tea export destinations from 96 to 100 countries, with notable demand in Pakistan and Egypt, and has opened new markets in Oman, Ireland, Japan, and Kazakhstan.
