KTDA Farmers Get Boost as Monthly Tea Pay Rises

Small-scale tea farmers across the country will receive higher monthly payments following an increase in the tea production rate, former Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) National Chairman David Muni Ichoho has announced.

Mr Ichoho said the monthly tea pay has been raised to Sh30 per kilogramme from Sh25, with the new rate taking effect from January tea deliveries and payable in February payslips.

He noted that payments for farmers in the West of Rift region will vary depending on individual factory board resolutions, with rates expected to rise to about Sh26 per kilogramme.

Mr Ichoho attributed the improved earnings to sustained negotiations, improved marketing strategies, quality tea manufacturing and steady leadership within the sector.

“It has been a continuous journey of championing economic empowerment for tea farmers to ensure more money remains in their pockets and bank accounts,” he said.

He also commended KTDA Chairman Chege Kirundi for championing the “Farmer First” agenda, saying the approach has helped prioritise growers’ interests within the agency.

Kenya’s tea sector supports more than five million livelihoods and remains one of the country’s leading foreign exchange earners