Mr. Chege Kirundi of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mr. Magahi Kagwe. IMAGE/KTDA.. Written by DAVID ROP. [email protected]. The issue of tea leaf hawking is a major challenge for the country’s tea industry, according to Mr. Chege Kirundi, chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA). Speaking at a forum for tea stakeholders led by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mr. Magahi Kagwe, he pointed out that tea hawking is especially common in the western region and needs immediate action. “We have made significant investments in establishing tea factories; sadly, some are functioning below their potential because we are unable to obtain sufficient produce due to tea hawking.” “This has created a significant challenge for our tea factories in the western region,” he stated. Mr. Kirundi emphasized the importance of sharing critical data concerning the tea sector, especially to keep farmers informed about the information influencing the issue of tea hawking in the country. He urged for the dissemination of information regarding tea producers, including their particulars, and noted that governance should encompass complete transparency about beneficial shareholders. “We call for full disclosure regarding governance and the adoption of new ethical management practices in trade, which will aid us in understanding how to compete and formulate competitive strategies for the future.” The chairman of the KTDA highlighted taxation as a major obstacle for the tea industry and called on Mr. Kagwe to think about either suspending certain taxes or eliminating them entirely, as they were harming the sector. This was stated by Mr. Wilson Muthaura, the group CEO and managing director of the Kenya Tea Development Agency, during a forum for tea stakeholders in Mombasa. PHOTO/KTDA.. “We would like to emphasize the necessity for the government to reassess taxation in the tea industry, as it has adverse effects on the sector,” he stated. Mr. Kirundi mentioned that tea marketing is a key concern for KTDA, and there will be a greater focus on marketing strategies. He emphasized that production costs are a significant issue in the tea industry that needs to be addressed. Furthermore, he mentioned that KTDA has implemented new initiatives aimed at prioritizing the tea farmer, ensuring they receive equitable compensation for their crops. Mr. Kirundi pointed out that many challenges in the tea sector could be mitigated by a report released by Mr. Kagwe, which offers insights to promote growth in the industry. “Representing the tea producers, I would like you to reveal all the competitors of KTDA and those with whom we work together.” “Regarding the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), we need complete transparency about its members,” he stated. He also mentioned the necessity for tea farmers to understand their stakeholders, including buyers, vendors, and producers, to enhance governance in the tea industry. Mr. Kirundi ended by noting that despite tea farmers being acknowledged as vital contributors to the tea market, they receive the smallest share of the revenue generated by the sector. He stressed that the priority should be on enhancing the well-being of tea farmers.
