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The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has launched a major institutional reform programme aimed at strengthening governance, improving transparency, and increasing returns for smallholder tea farmers across Kenya.
The reforms are being implemented through a strategic partnership with the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), which will conduct an independent review of KTDA’s policy frameworks, marketing systems, and operational guidelines.
KTDA manages dozens of tea factories on behalf of hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers and plays a central role in Kenya’s tea industry, the country’s leading agricultural export sector. However, the agency has faced increasing pressure in recent years over governance issues, market volatility, and concerns about farmer returns.
Industry leaders say the new reforms are designed to modernise KTDA’s governance structure while ensuring the organisation remains competitive in global tea markets.
Under the partnership, KIPPRA will undertake a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of KTDA’s governance instruments, marketing frameworks, and internal operational policies. The review will identify policy gaps, update outdated provisions, and recommend reforms to improve accountability and compliance across KTDA-managed factories.
KTDA National Chairman Chege Kirundi said the reforms are necessary to strengthen institutional stability and improve oversight in the tea value chain.
According to Kirundi, clear governance structures and well-defined marketing policies are essential for reducing operational disputes, managing institutional risks, and ensuring transparent management of farmer resources.
The reform agenda also aims to align KTDA’s operations with evolving regulatory requirements and global trade dynamics that increasingly influence tea exports.
Kenya’s tea industry operates in a complex global environment characterised by fluctuating commodity prices, shifting trade regulations, and growing competition from other tea-producing countries. Strengthening governance and strategic planning is therefore seen as critical for protecting the country’s position in international markets.
KTDA Acting Group Chief Executive Officer Francis Miano said the reform process is closely aligned with the agency’s long-term strategic plan and its “Farmers First” policy framework.
The goal, he said, is to transform KTDA into a more market-responsive institution capable of adapting to global trade shifts while safeguarding farmer interests.
For farmers, the expected outcomes of the reform programme include improved revenue management, stronger marketing performance, and more transparent financial systems within KTDA-managed factories.
The reforms are also expected to enhance the agency’s export strategies and market intelligence capabilities, helping Kenyan tea compete more effectively in international markets.
Industry analysts say stronger governance structures could play a key role in rebuilding farmer confidence and ensuring that a larger share of export earnings reaches producers.
Tea remains Kenya’s most important agricultural export, supporting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
By reviewing its policy frameworks and strengthening institutional accountability, KTDA aims to create a more efficient and transparent system that protects farmer interests while enhancing the global competitiveness of Kenyan tea.
If successfully implemented, the reforms could mark a significant step toward improving long-term sustainability and profitability in Kenya’s smallholder tea sector.
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