The Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) Holdings Board has elected Chege Kirundi as its new national chairman. Kirundi succeeds Enos Njeru, with Eric Chepkwony retaining his position as vice chairman.
Kirundi, who represents Zone Three in Murang’a County, has been at the forefront of tea sector reforms in Kenya, including the enactment of the transformative Tea Act 2020. The Act aims to improve governance and transparency in the tea sector while addressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
A distinguished legal professional, Kirundi holds a law degree from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. He is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a certified Public Secretary (CPS), a Notary Public, a Commissioner of Oaths, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIP). Additionally, he is a trained mediator and the chairman of Kiru Tea Factory Company PLC.
Kirundi’s career spans public and private service. He has worked as a State Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers and is currently a private legal practitioner with Kirundi & Company Advocates. He is also a member of the Law Society of Kenya and other professional bodies.
KTDA is a vital player in Kenya’s tea industry, representing over 600,000 smallholder tea farmers across 16 tea-growing counties. Farmers are shareholders in 54 tea companies that collectively own KTDA Holdings and its nine subsidiaries. These subsidiaries add value to the tea value chain and include Chai Trading Company Limited, Kenya Tea Packers Limited, and Majani Insurance Brokers, among others.
Since its establishment in 1964, KTDA has played a significant role in Kenya’s agricultural sector, taking over the management of smallholder tea from multinational companies. Under its leadership, the organization has expanded to include 71 tea factories, comprising 54 main factories and 17 satellite factories, ensuring efficient handling of increased tea production.
Kirundi’s election as chairman comes at a pivotal time for the tea sector. His expertise and leadership are expected to drive further reforms, ensuring that KTDA continues to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and strengthen Kenya’s position as a global tea exporter.
As KTDA looks to the future, Kirundi’s vision and experience are anticipated to bring transformative changes, fostering growth and sustainability in the tea industry.
