Call for Unity After KTDA Board Elections

Dr. Andrew Karanja, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, has urged the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holding Limited to embrace unity following the recent elections of its Board Chairman and Vice Chairman.

On Friday, during the elections observed by Dr. Karanja and officials from the Tea Board of Kenya, Enos Njeru was re-elected as Chairman, and Eric Chepkwony was appointed Vice Chairman for a three-year term. However, a faction of five Directors led by Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe contested the results, alleging interference by state officials.

Dr. Karanja reassured the board of government support, emphasizing the tea industry’s crucial role in Kenya’s economy. The sector supports over five million people and generates Sh2 billion in foreign exchange. He stressed the importance of maintaining a stable and well-managed tea industry.

“We must ensure that the industry receives the attention it deserves, which is why the government is keenly observing these proceedings,” Dr. Karanja said. He expressed hope that the Ministry would collaborate with the board to address sector challenges and transform them into opportunities.

The CS highlighted goals for increased production and quality, as well as the need to find larger markets for Kenyan tea. He noted that the production is approaching 600 million kilograms and stressed the importance of expanding market reach.

Dr. Karanja also encouraged KTDA Chairman Enos Njeru to foster inclusivity and collaboration within the board. “In any election, there will be differing opinions. Moving forward, it’s crucial to ensure that everyone feels included and valued,” he advised.

Enos Njeru, re-elected as KTDA Chairman for a second term, acknowledged the industry’s challenges but highlighted the progress made through collective efforts. He thanked his colleagues for their continued trust and pledged to serve with dedication and integrity.

During his first term, Njeru emphasized prompt payments to farmers, increased monetary returns, and the introduction of Chai Gold, a premium Kenyan product. For his second term, he plans to focus on implementing the Tea Act and Management Agreement, boosting local tea consumption, and improving tea quality to enhance global competitiveness.

Njeru also aims to diversify KTDA’s product range to reduce the volume of bulk tea stored in warehouses, which will help cut storage costs and open new markets. He assured that significant progress has been made in reducing unsold tea volumes and is optimistic about further improvements by September.

The government’s initiatives, such as establishing common user facilities and exempting VAT on packaging, were praised. Njeru emphasized the need for unity among KTDA stakeholders and extended a gesture of partnership to those who were not successful in the elections.

“We must unite for the benefit of the farmers we represent. Let’s put aside our differences and focus on our shared goals,” Njeru concluded.