Rukuriri Tea Factory led in tea bonus payments this year, with farmers allocated Sh 50 per kilogram of green leaf processed in the period 2025/2026.
In the year 2025/2026, the smallholder factories under the KTDA management processed more than 1,094,710,523.06 kg of green leaf, which reflected a drop from 1,144,364,053.46 kgs that was registered in the previous year of 2024/2025.
In the declaration of the payment for the period between July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, Rukuriri led Sh 50, followed by Gacharage Sh 49, Ngere Sh 48, Gathuthi Sh 47.50, Imenti Sh 47, Mununga Sh 47, Kiegoi Sh 45.50, Njunu Sh 45.20, Makomboki Sh 45, Ikumbi Sh 40, Momul Sh 40.50, Gitugi Sh 40.50, Nduti Sh 40, Chinga Sh 36, Weru Sh 34.70, Ragati Sh 34, Mataara Sh 33.50, Iriaini Sh 33.00, Kiru Sh 31.
Others are Githambo Sh 30.30, Kanyenya ini Sh 30, Gianchore Sh 18, Kaptumo Sh 12.50.
As some farmers agonised over the low payment, the farmers at Rukuriri argue that their factory invested in the innovation, supported by the continued plucking of quality green leaf, with their management board perfecting leadership and governance structures.
Last year, it topped other KTDA-managed factories after it achieved a bonus of Sh 57.50 per kg.
Tea farmers John Njiru and Jane Nthiga, affiliated with Rukuriri factory, said their processing plant had moved up a notch after a directive requiring all farmers to follow the recommendations to achieve the best quality.
They called for the removal of the tea levy, saying it has negatively affected Kenya’s tea, with buyers relocating to neighbouring countries as an alternative.
“ There are factory officials who visit the farms and the buying centres to ensure we abide by the instructions set by the tea buyers,” said Ms Nthiga.
Njiru said although the farmers expected a higher bonus than Sh 50 per kg owing to interventions made, they are satisfied that Rukuriri farmers remain at the top in the payment list.
“ Next year we hope the situation will improve to match the living standards and cost of production,” said Mr Njiru, adding that since 2024 Rukuriri factory has been leading in bonus payment.
Rukuriri Factory Chairman Joseph Rwanjau said the directors have been working closely with the farmers over the years to ensure there is effective performance.
“ Through the advice of the buyers and the technical persons, the factory has managed to enter into the transformational space, eyeing to venture into international trade,” said Rwanjau.
KTDA National Chairman Mr Enos Njeru said, in the bonus declaration, factory directors reviewed green leaf monthly payments to farmers, revenue from tea buyers, electricity bills, management fees, petroleum, and employees’ salaries, among other concerns, before declaring the payment.
“ The factories should work towards reduction of the production cost to ensure farmers will get the best payment,” said Njeru.
In an interview, he explained that the tea industry faced challenges that year, including the closure of the Straits of Hormuz, which disrupted shipping routes, high petroleum costs, and the 0.8 percent tea levy on exports, among others.
