- A fresh dispute is brewing in Kenya’s tea sector, with allegations of a campaign to destabilise KTDA.
- A leaked audit on factory loans has intensified tensions as farmers weigh calls for action.
- The controversy comes as tea growers push for better returns and question proposed changes in the sector.
Interested parties are allegedly bankrolling a campaign to destabilise the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), inciting farmers to march to their factories on Monday to demand the exit of sitting directors.
According to insiders, former KTDA directors are driving the campaign, citing a Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) audit that flagged corruption in factory loan management. Some sources allege that a section of current directors is also working with a faction seeking to weaken KTDA ahead of political contests.
Clandestine meetings have reportedly been held in villages to coach farmers on how to present their petitions. Among the demands is a proposal that future directorship aspirants hold at least 10,000 kilogrammes of green leaf and a university degree.
Leaked audit sparks unrest
The unrest follows the leak of a TBK report detailing the status of loans taken by tea factories as of December 2025. Insiders say the document was released without the knowledge of factory management, contrary to standard procedure.
In their petition, farmers also warn the government against implementing the Ksh 2.28 per kilogramme tea levy imposed by the TBK on May 1. However, most farmers say they will skip Monday’s planned visit, preferring instead to focus on securing better end-of-year bonus payments.
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Peter Kironji, a farmer in Murang’a, said some former directors are settling scores dating back six years to the tea reform campaign. He claimed the insiders want to push KTDA out of factory management in favour of firms they can control.
“It is not the first time that the tea sector is getting into chaos plotted by the insiders, but this time the hand of the former directors is visible,” said Kironji.
Meanwhile, Mary Wachira, a farmer in Nyeri, said such matters should be resolved at annual general meetings, where only genuine farmers are represented. She urged KTDA to scrutinise its directors and identify those seeking to undermine the organisation from within.
“If we allow every village to be present, it will be a political meeting without farmers’ agenda,” said Wachira.
By our correspondent
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