The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) to comprehensively review and update its institutional policy framework. The collaboration was formalised during a high-level meeting held at Majani Plaza in Nairobi, bringing together senior leadership from both institutions. KTDA was represented by National Chairman Chege Kirundi, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer Francis Miano, and departmental heads. The KIPPRA delegation was led by Executive Director Eldah Onsomu, alongside senior policy experts.
Responding to Sector Challenges
The policy review comes at a critical time for Kenya’s tea sector, which is grappling with evolving regulatory demands, market fluctuations, and heightened scrutiny from stakeholders. KTDA said the exercise is intended to ensure full compliance with existing laws, close governance gaps, and align institutional policies with current regulatory and operational realities.
Evidence-Based Policy Audit
As part of the agreement, KIPPRA will carry out an evidence-based audit of KTDA’s existing policies. This process will identify outdated or ineffective provisions, recommend necessary reforms, and propose new policy frameworks where gaps exist. The review will also assess how well current policies support KTDA’s long-term strategic objectives.
Strengthening Governance and Accountability
Chairman Chege Kirundi emphasized that strong governance structures, alongside clearly defined marketing and trade policies, are essential in reducing institutional risk and enhancing accountability across KTDA-managed tea factories.
Enhancing Global Competitiveness
KTDA noted that the policy review will support broader reforms aimed at strengthening its marketing systems and international trade strategies. These efforts are part of a wider push to improve competitiveness in global tea markets and deliver better outcomes for smallholder tea farmers. The agency, which manages tea factories on behalf of small-scale farmers, has faced ongoing debate within the sector over governance, farmer returns, and market access. Findings from the policy review are expected to guide future operational and structural adjustments within KTDA.
