The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Andrew Karanja, has called for unanimity among the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holding Limited after the election of Board Chairman and Vice Chairman.
In an election held on Friday and observed by the CS Agriculture and officials from the Tea Board of Kenya, Enos Njeru was re-elected to the coveted Chairman Position and Eric Chepkwony as the Vice Chairman for a three-year term.
A separate faction of five Directors led by Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe disputed the election, decrying interference by state functionaries.
CS assured the board of government support as the tea industry is one of the backbones of the country’s economy, supporting the livelihood of over five million people and earning the country Sh2 billion on foreign exchange.
“It’s a major industry that we need to take care of, which is why whatever is happening here is of great interest to the government of Kenya. We said we must come and observe to make sure that everything goes as scheduled,” said Dr. Karanja.
The Ministry, he said, is looking forward to working with the board to turn around the challenges in the sector into opportunities.
“I like to improve production and quality. But more importantly, we will be working with you to look for better and higher markets for Kenyan tea. The production has been edging upwards, and we are likely to close with 600 million kilogrammes and require bigger markets,” said the Agriculture CS.
The CS urged the KTDA Chairman to be magnanimous by working with all people and reconciling the board to steer the institution to prosperity.
“Wherever there is an election, there are always people who may differ a bit with you, but in the future, make sure you’re the chairman of everybody. Take time if there is anybody who doesn’t feel very comfortable; make sure that they are comfortable,” stated the CS, promising of
KTDA Chairman Enos Njeru noted that the industry has faced many challenges, but through resilience and collective efforts, significant strides have been made. He appreciated the works of directors whose term has ended.
“I am deeply honoured by the confidence my colleagues have shown in me by reelecting me as the KTDA Chairman for a second term. Your faith in my leadership humbles me. I assure you that I will continue to serve you with the dedication and integrity that this position demands,” said Njeru.
He stated in his first term they were prompt payment to farmers through the disbursement of funds by a fifth of every month, an increase in monetary returns to farmers, and the launch of a Kenyan premium product christened Chai Gold.
In his second term, he will focus on the implementation of the Tea Act and Management Agreement, instilling a tea consumption culture through increasing local demand, and improving tea quality to enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan tea in the global market.
“We will also ensure there is product diversification to reduce the volume of bulk tea stored in our warehouses. We will focus on diversifying our product range; this will not only reduce storage costs but also open up markets for our products,” stated Njeru.
The Chairman promised to reduce unsold tea and broaden the markets by improving the financial health of KTDA and its affiliated factories. He vowed to set minimum standards of quality for tea acceptable by KTDA to make sure they sell without challenges.
“I want to assure our farmers that the volumes that were there by the time the government visited—100 million kilogrammes—have been sold significantly and the volumes have been reduced to about 60 million kilogrammes. We are optimistic that by the end of September, these volumes will not be there,” said Njeru.
The government was lauded for the establishment of common user facilities and the exemption of VAT on packaging.
He emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration between KTDA stakeholders for the benefit of farmers. He extended an olive branch to those who were not successful in the elections.
“I extend a hand of partnership, the strength of our industry not only lies in our positions but in our shared commitment to the welfare of the tea farmers we represent. Let’s put aside our differences and focus on our common goal,” said the KTDA Chairman.
By Sadik Hassan
