KTDA partners with KIPPRA to review policies amid tea sector pressures

The collaboration was formalized during a meeting at Majani Plaza in Nairobi attended by KTDA National Chairman Chege Kirundi, Acting Group CEO Francis Miano, and senior departmental heads. KIPPRA’s team was led by Executive Director Eldah Onsomu and senior policy experts.

The policy review comes at a time when the tea sector is facing regulatory changes, market volatility, and increased scrutiny from stakeholders. KTDA said the review aims to ensure compliance with existing laws, address governance gaps, and align its operations with current regulatory requirements.

Under the agreement, KIPPRA will conduct an evidence-based audit of KTDA’s policies to identify outdated provisions, recommend reforms, and propose new frameworks where necessary. The exercise will also assess whether existing policies align with KTDA’s strategic objectives.

Chairman Chege Kirundi said clear governance structures and defined marketing and trade policies are critical to reducing institutional risk and improving accountability across KTDA-managed factories.

KTDA has indicated it is seeking to strengthen its marketing systems and international trade strategies as part of broader reforms intended to improve competitiveness in global tea markets.

The agency manages tea factories on behalf of smallholder farmers and has faced ongoing debate within the sector over governance, returns to farmers, and market access. The policy review is expected to inform future operational and structural adjustments within the organization.