New dawn for tea farmers as Ombasa elected KTDA Vice Chair

Tea sector has received new leadership as James Omwemo Ombasa elected as the new Vice Chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Agency Holdings Limited (KTDA)

In the election, held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Enashipai Resort & Spa, Ombasa was officially certified by Returning Officer.

As a dedicated tea grower, Ombasa’s victory signals strong stakeholder confidence in his leadership. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the tea industry undergoes transformative reforms aimed at boosting farmer incomes and elevating Kenya’s global tea profile.

As Vice Chairman, Ombasa will support newly elected Chairman Chege Kirundi in steering KTDA toward transparency, efficiency, and improved farmer welfare. Anchored by the agency’s “Farmers First” mantra, he aims to put more money in the pockets of smallholder farmers while uplifting their living standards.

During the event, Ombasa vowed to strengthen ongoing reforms and pioneer bold initiatives, including promoting direct global sales of Kenyan tea and exploring new markets to ensure farmers earn better returns. His vision is to solidify Kenya’s status as the world’s leading exporter of black tea.

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Industry players have welcomed his election with optimism, believing his leadership will empower farmers, enhance governance, and drive sustainable growth. His mission aligns seamlessly with KTDA’s commitment to improving farmer livelihoods and reinforcing Kenya’s reputation for premium quality tea.

With Ombasa at the helm as Vice Chairman, KTDA is poised to strengthen its role as the backbone of Kenya’s smallholder tea sector, supporting over 600,000 farmers nationwide. His leadership promises a new era of prosperity, stronger representation, and expanded opportunities for Kenya’s tea farmers on the global stage.

By Juma Ndigo

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