By FRED KOECH
newshub@eyewitness.africa
Tea farmers throughout the nation have expressed overwhelming assist for, Mr Chege Kirundi, the brand new chairman of the Kenya Tea Improvement Authority (KTDA).
Kirundi’s election was confirmed on January 23, 2025, when he changed Enos Njeru, and has garnered overwhelming assist from tea farmers throughout the nation, reflecting their expectations for optimistic modifications within the business.
Many farmers have expressed confidence in Kirundi’s management saying he has been a proponent of serious reforms within the tea business, together with the enactment of the Tea Act 2020.
His management is seen as a continuation of efforts to boost farmers’ earnings and enhance the general administration of tea manufacturing in Kenya.
Kirundi’s observe document as a board member for Zone Three in Murang’a County and his function at Kiru Tea Manufacturing unit Firm PLC have positioned him as a powerful advocate for smallholder farmers.
His dedication to addressing points akin to worth fluctuations and market entry has resonated positively with many within the tea farming neighborhood.
Regardless of some optimism, there are apprehensions about ongoing authorities interference within the administration of tea factories. The KTDA board has not too long ago criticised authorities actions that they consider have undermined farmers’ incomes like eradicating reserve tea costs at auctions with out sufficient session.
This has led to a decline in tea costs, elevating considerations amongst farmers about their monetary stability. Some farmers are cautious about how successfully Kirundi will implement essential reforms amidst current challenges, together with infrastructure points and market dynamics.
There’s a name for improved street infrastructure to facilitate higher entry to markets and factories, which stays a urgent concern for a lot of farmers.
Kirundi’s election as KTDA chairman is seen positively by many tea farmers who hope for continued reforms and higher illustration, although there are important considerations about authorities interference and the sensible implementation of insurance policies that immediately have an effect on farmers livelihoods.
Tea pickers in a tea plantation in Kenya. PHOTO/UGC
Kirundi holds a Bachelor of Legal guidelines (LLB) diploma from the College of Nairobi and a Diploma in Regulation from the Kenya College of Regulation. He’s an advocate of the Excessive Courtroom of Kenya and possesses a number of skilled {qualifications}, together with being a certified Notary Public, an authorized Public Secretary (CPS), and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIP).
His authorized profession consists of serving as a State Counsel within the Lawyer Normal’s Chambers, and he presently practices regulation with Kirundi & Firm Advocates.
Kirundi has been instrumental in advocating for reforms throughout the tea sector, notably main efforts that culminated within the enactment of the 2020 Tea Act.
This laws aimed to boost transparency and equity in tea pricing and distribution, addressing long-standing points confronted by smallholder tea farmers.
His energetic involvement as a board member for Zone Three in Murang’a County has positioned him as a key determine in representing farmers’ pursuits. As chairman of KTDA, Kirundi will oversee an organisation that’s pivotal to roughly 600,000 smallholder tea farmers throughout 16 counties in Kenya.
The KTDA manages 54 tea corporations and 9 subsidiaries which can be essential for worth addition throughout the tea business. His management is anticipated to result in important modifications that align with farmers’ wants and expectations, significantly relating to honest dividends and sustainable farming practices.
With Kirundi on the helm of KTDA, there are excessive expectations from tea farmers for reforms that might result in improved livelihoods.
His election is seen as a victory for not solely Murang’a County’s tea farmers however all farmers throughout the nation, who anticipate a extra responsive management that prioritises their welfare.
The challenges forward embody navigating advanced market dynamics and guaranteeing that coverage modifications successfully profit all stakeholders concerned in Kenya’s tea manufacturing.
Kirundi’s election as KTDA chairman marks a brand new chapter for the Kenyan tea sector, with hopes pinned on his management to drive significant reforms and improve the sustainability of tea farming within the nation.
