Mr. Chege Kirundi is the newly appointed chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA). IMAGE/USER-GENERATED CONTENT.. By FRED KOECH. [email protected]. Tea farmers nationwide have shown significant support for Mr. Chege Kirundi, who has been elected as the new chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA). His election on January 23, 2025, saw him take over from Enos Njeru, and it has sparked hope among farmers for beneficial changes within the industry. Many farmers are optimistic about Kirundi’s leadership, noting his advocacy for important reforms in the tea sector, highlighted by the implementation of the Tea Act 2020. His guidance is perceived as a continuation of initiatives aimed at increasing farmers’ profits and enhancing tea production management in Kenya. Kirundi’s experience as a board member for Zone Three in Murang’a County and his involvement with Kiru Tea Factory Company PLC has made him a strong representative for smallholder farmers. His dedication to tackling issues like price volatility and access to markets has been well received among the tea farming community. However, there are still concerns regarding persistent government interference in the management of tea factories. The KTDA board has recently expressed disapproval of government actions that they feel have negatively impacted farmers’ earnings, particularly the elimination of minimum tea prices at auctions without proper consultation. This has resulted in a drop in tea prices, causing worries among farmers regarding their financial security. Several farmers express concern over Kirundi’s ability to successfully enact essential reforms given ongoing issues such as infrastructure deficits and market conditions. There is a strong demand for enhanced road infrastructure to improve access to markets and factories, which is a significant issue for numerous farmers. Kirundi’s recent election as KTDA chairman is seen favorably by many tea farmers, who anticipate ongoing reforms and improved representation; however, there are considerable worries regarding government influence and the effective execution of policies that impact the livelihoods of farmers. Tea pickers in a Kenyan tea plantation. PHOTO/UGC. Kirundi has obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi along with a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. He is a practicing lawyer at the High Court of Kenya with various professional credentials, including Notary Public, Certified Public Secretary (CPS), and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIP). His legal journey includes a role as State Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers, and he is currently affiliated with Kirundi & Company Advocates. Kirundi has played a significant role in advocating for reforms in the tea industry, notably leading initiatives that resulted in the passage of the 2020 Tea Act. This legislation aimed to improve transparency and equity in tea pricing and distribution, tackling longstanding challenges faced by smallholder tea farmers. His active participation as a board member for Zone Three in Murang’a County has established him as a vital representative of farmers’ interests. In his role as chairman of KTDA, Kirundi will lead an organization that is vital for around 600,000 small-scale tea farmers in 16 counties throughout Kenya. The KTDA is responsible for 54 tea companies and nine subsidiaries, which play an essential role in enhancing value within the tea sector.
