NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a directive to the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) to clear the mounting stocks of tea in Mombasa’s warehouses by the end of the year, addressing concerns raised by tea farmers over unsold inventory.
During his visit to the Mengo and Miritini warehouses on Thursday evening, Gachagua emphasized the need to resolve the backlog of tea from the 2023 harvest.
He reassured farmers that steps are being taken to address the issue.
“We are here to address farmers’ concerns regarding the stocks from the 2023-24 financial year. I’m pleased with the assurance given that the remaining tea will be cleared by the end of the year, ensuring farmers receive what is due to them,” the Deputy President stated.
Gachagua further explained that discussions with the management of Chai Trading and KTDA Holdings are aimed at ensuring smooth clearance of the stocks, noting that the country is anticipating a significant tea harvest in the coming seasons.
In a series of consultations with stakeholders from the tea industry, Gachagua emphasized the need to streamline governance and eliminate obstacles that hinder tea sales and reduce farmers’ earnings.
“We’ve outlined what needs to be done and will hold further meetings to iron out the remaining challenges. Our goal is to make the sector more efficient and beneficial for the farmers,” he added.
The Deputy President also called on KTDA to invest in constructing its own warehouses to reduce operational costs and boost returns for farmers.
Earlier that day, Gachagua held a meeting with KTDA’s newly appointed directors at Pride Inn Beach Resort, urging them to expedite ongoing reforms in the tea sector.
His efforts are part of a broader push to eradicate cartels that have long exploited tea farmers and hindered sector growth.
During his visit to the Mengo and Miritini warehouses on Thursday evening, Gachagua emphasized the need to resolve the backlog of tea from the 2023 harvest.
He reassured farmers that steps are being taken to address the issue.
“We are here to address farmers’ concerns regarding the stocks from the 2023-24 financial year. I’m pleased with the assurance given that the remaining tea will be cleared by the end of the year, ensuring farmers receive what is due to them,” the Deputy President stated.
Gachagua further explained that discussions with the management of Chai Trading and KTDA Holdings are aimed at ensuring smooth clearance of the stocks, noting that the country is anticipating a significant tea harvest in the coming seasons.
In a series of consultations with stakeholders from the tea industry, Gachagua emphasized the need to streamline governance and eliminate obstacles that hinder tea sales and reduce farmers’ earnings.
“We’ve outlined what needs to be done and will hold further meetings to iron out the remaining challenges. Our goal is to make the sector more efficient and beneficial for the farmers,” he added.
The Deputy President also called on KTDA to invest in constructing its own warehouses to reduce operational costs and boost returns for farmers.
Earlier that day, Gachagua held a meeting with KTDA’s newly appointed directors at Pride Inn Beach Resort, urging them to expedite ongoing reforms in the tea sector.
His efforts are part of a broader push to eradicate cartels that have long exploited tea farmers and hindered sector growth.
