The Permanent Secretary (PS) of the State Department of Agriculture, Dr. Kiprono Ronoh, has inaugurated the distribution of 47,300 tons of NPK fertilizer, equivalent to over one million bags, to tea farmers across the country. This initiative, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in anticipation of the October-November-December short rains, marks the first phase of a larger support program by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
The fertilizer is part of a 97,000-ton consignment procured by KTDA to support over 650,000 tea farmers. Dr. Ronoh, speaking at the Port of Mombasa, emphasized that the government is upholding its commitment to the tea industry through this subsidy program. Each bag of fertilizer will be available at Sh2,500, maintaining the cost promised by the government to alleviate the financial burden on farmers.
Dr. Ronoh highlighted the crucial role of the tea sector in Kenya’s economy, noting its contribution of nearly four percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector’s earnings have seen substantial growth, increasing from Sh138 billion to approximately Sh200 billion, driven by favorable weather conditions, government subsidies, and the expansion of tea cultivation. He urged farmers to intensify their efforts, assuring them that the government is actively seeking new markets for Kenyan tea.
Addressing the issue of unsold tea stocks, Dr. Ronoh commended KTDA for its efforts in reducing the volume of unsold tea, with a target to keep unsold stocks below 40 million kilograms. To enhance the operational efficiency of tea factories, the government has commissioned an audit to identify and address challenges facing these facilities. This includes addressing issues related to quality, which has impacted earnings for some farmers.
Dr. Ronoh also spoke about ongoing reforms in the tea sector aimed at improving tea quality and expanding global markets. The government is negotiating with China to increase tea exports and is investing in common user facilities to assist small-scale tea farmers with value addition and packaging. A facility recently launched in Ketepa, Kericho, will be complemented by additional facilities in Mombasa and Nairobi.
The PS emphasized the need for proper governance in tea factories to prevent wastage and theft. The Tea Board of Kenya will inspect weighing machines at tea factories to ensure accurate measurements and prevent fraud.
KTDA Chairman Enos Njeru expressed gratitude for the government’s support, acknowledging the subsidy program that has reduced the cost of fertilizer despite its higher procurement price. He urged farmers to focus on improving tea quality rather than solely increasing production. Njeru reported a notable increase in tea production this year, with 1.4 million kilograms of green tea leaves compared to 1.1 million kilograms last year.
KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto highlighted the efficiency of the port operations, which facilitated the timely offloading of the fertilizer. He advised KTDA to plan future consignments well in advance, considering the longer shipping routes due to disruptions in the Red Sea.
Overall, the government’s intervention through the fertilizer subsidy program represents a significant step towards supporting Kenya’s tea farmers, boosting production, and enhancing the sector’s competitiveness on the global stage. The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of the agricultural sector and promoting sustainable growth in Kenya’s vital tea industry.
