The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has dismissed concerns over this year’s reduced bonus, insisting the drop is driven by global market forces and not internal mismanagement.
The agency cited weaker currency movements and depressed international prices as the key factors, noting that the shilling averaged 129 against the dollar in 2025, compared to 144 in 2024.
KTDA added that this, meant farmers earned less in shilling terms even where global prices remained steady.
According to the Agency, average tea prices across factories reflect the downturn.
In the East of Rift Valley, Kiambu recorded ksh371 per kilo, a decline of Ksh46, while Murang’a fell to Ksh376, Nyeri to Ksh388, Kirinyaga to Ksh400, Embu to Ksh404, and Meru to Ksh381.
In the west of Rift, farmers were harder hit, with Kericho fetching Ksh245 per kilo, down Ksh101; Bomet, Ksh209; Nyamira, Ksh266; Kisii, Ksh246; and Nandi/Vihiga, Ksh208, all recording steep drops compared to last year.
ALSO READ:
End of an Era: Moi University Sacco placed under liquidation
“The disparities between East and West Rift payments reflect quality attributes, market dynamics, and cost structures,” KTDA said in a statement.
“Independent producers and plantations outside KTDA have reported similar difficulties, confirming this is not unique to our factories.”
The agency warned against dragging politics into tea payments, saying this would only harm farmers and destabilize factory operations.
KTDA added that it is pursuing orthodox teas for niche markets, value addition, and factory modernization to stabilize farmer incomes in the future.
By Juma Ndigo
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
