NYAMIRA, Kenya — The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has retained the monthly green leaf payment rate at Ksh24 per kilogram for farmers in Zone 10, Nyamira County, citing financial constraints.
In a statement on Thursday, February 5, the agency said the rate will apply to farmers delivering tea to Nyansiongo, Nyankoba, Sanganyi, Kibirigo, and Gianchore factories. KTDA noted that low tea absorption and subdued prices during the 2024/2025 financial year had strained the cash flow of the affected factories.
“The boards of the five factories — Nyansiongo, Nyankoba, Sanganyi, Kibirigo, and Gianchore — also noted a reduction in green leaf deliveries and encouraged farmers to continue supplying tea to benefit from improved returns expected in the coming months,” the statement read.
KTDA said the current payment rate will remain unchanged for now, but factory management indicated a review will be undertaken once financial conditions improve. The agency also urged farmers to maintain good tea picking practices to enhance quality and secure better auction prices.
The announcement follows KTDA’s broader recommendation on January 22 to adjust monthly payment rates across tea-growing regions, suggesting a maximum of Ksh30 per kilogram. Factories in the western Rift Valley — including Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Kisii, Nyamira, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and parts of Nakuru — may set monthly payments up to Ksh26, while those in the eastern Rift Valley — Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Meru — could adjust payments to Ksh30, depending on their cash flow and financial obligations.
“KTDA-managed tea factory companies have commenced the review of monthly payment rates to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements and board guidance,” the agency said, adding that the final decision on revised payments rests with individual factory boards.
The retained rate in Nyamira highlights the ongoing financial pressures facing some KTDA-managed factories, even as the agency seeks to stabilize the sector and support farmers’ incomes.
