The Mountain Journal
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KTDA has adjusted the monthly green leaf payment to Sh 30 per kilogramme up from Sh 25 per kilogramme which was imposed in 2020 to conform with the Tea Act 2020.
In the last year AGMs; the farmers from the tea growing belts raised their voice calling for the increment of the payment to match with the harsh economy.
This week KTDA Holding Board recommended the increase to a maximum of Sh 30 per kg of green leaf from Sh 25 in the East of Rift Valley, and Sh 26 in the West of Rift Valley.
This week more factories in the east and west of rift are holding board meetings to ratify the decision by the KTDA on the increment of the monthly price of green leaf.
Nyeri based Iria ini tea factory has effected the changes in a communication to its farmers through the buying centres citing effective this January payment.
Photo/ KTDA Directors in a past meeting.
“ The farmers’ income must respond to that reality, not expose them to wait for the bonus at the end of the year,” said the factory chairman Machira P. Muturi in a notice..
KTDA Holding Chairman Mr Chege Kirundi said the recommendation followed the request by the growers across the tea belt adding that he was on a focused leadership designed to safeguard the farmers interests.
“The Factory directors are in control of the sector and brought up the matter for consideration by the board,” said Kirundi adding that the factory boards are meeting to approve the recommendation.
The Board approved an increase in monthly green leaf payment to Sh 30 per kg as the plucking rate should not exceed Sh 15 per kg.
In Embu county, KTDA Zone six Board member Mr Enos Njeru says the boards at Rukuririr, Kathangariri and Mungania approved the incresed payment after their meetings.
In the meeting, Mungania and Rukuriri, and Kathangariri met and approved the decision.
Photo/ Enos Njeru with the directors at Rukuriri tea factory in Embu County
“ The directors approved the increment after days deliberation with the payment for January 2026 expected by February 5,” said Njeru.
