KTDA Calls for Immediate Audit of Private Tea Factories in West of Rift
By Shadrack Mutai || Kass Digital
Agency seeks to protect farmers from exploitation and ensure compliance with the Tea Act
Kisumu, Kenya – The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has called for an immediate audit of all licenses issued to privately owned tea factories in the West of the Rift Valley to ensure compliance with the Tea Act and protect farmers from exploitation.
KTDA directors from the region allege that most of the 71 privately licensed companies are operating outside the required standards and have resorted to poaching green leaf from KTDA factories, disrupting operations and reducing profitability.
During a forum held in Kisumu, KTDA Vice Chairman Omweno Ombasa said the practice has made it difficult for some factories to operate optimally. He noted that some factories designed to process 25 tonnes of green leaf per day are receiving less than half, making it hard to meet cost obligations and deliver strong bonuses to farmers.
Ombasa urged farmers to remain loyal to their respective KTDA factories and continue delivering their produce through the established KTDA system.
Directors Clarify Allowance Controversy
The Kisumu forum came a week after another meeting in Murang’a by directors from the East of Rift, which also addressed claims surrounding directors’ allowances.
Chebut and Kaptum Tea Factories Chairman Robert Kipkemboi dismissed allegations that directors earn up to KSh 50,000 per sitting, saying the figure is exaggerated. He clarified that directors only earn KSh 18,000 per sitting and are allowed four sittings annually.
KTDA Vice Chairman Ombasa backed the clarification, saying the allegations were misleading and insensitive to the efforts of directors who work closely with farmers.
Farmers’ Bonuses and Auction Fairness
Farmers in the West of Rift received lower bonuses this year compared to their counterparts in the East. The difference has been linked to the quality of tea and supply inconsistencies.
To promote fairness, KTDA board members suggested that the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) adopt a blind tasting method—where tea samples are coded instead of being labeled with factory names—to eliminate potential bias in grading and auctioning.
KTDA Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency
KTDA directors reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and accountability, saying they welcome any lawful audit processes that enhance trust and good governance. They insisted, however, that the cost of such audits should not be passed on to farmers.
The board also clarified that the inter-factory loan model—where factories borrow funds from one another to meet short-term financial needs—is being phased out. Reconciliation of existing balances is underway to ensure full accountability.
Beginning this month, factories will be able to access direct financing from commercial banks at an interest rate of 6 percent, a step expected to boost financial independence and strengthen stability across the tea sector.
