The elections for the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) board members in Murang’a concluded smoothly on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the region’s tea industry. Chege Kirundi, the Chairman of Kiru Tea Factory, successfully retained his position as the board member for Zone 3, following a competitive election held at Kanyenyaini Tea Factory.
The elections, conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), were held between 8 a.m. and noon, and were described as peaceful, free, and fair by IEBC Returning Officer Paul. Kirundi secured his re-election with 14 votes against his opponent Francis Karanu, who received 8 votes. The election saw the participation of 22 directors from four tea factories in Zone 3: Kiru, Kanyenyaini, Gatunguru, and Githambo.
The election process was notably smoother compared to the previous week, when it had been postponed due to unrest caused by some farmers at Kiru Tea Factory. The delay highlighted the intense competition and high stakes of the elections, which saw vigorous campaigning from both candidates as they sought support from the newly elected directors.
Kirundi’s re-election was celebrated by many in the tea-growing community. In his victory speech, Kirundi expressed gratitude for the support and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the tea sector. He pledged to focus on securing better prices for green leaf tea and to collaborate with relevant agencies to find new markets for Kenyan tea. “I will work together with relevant agencies to search for more markets for our tea. With this, I promise farmers better returns for their tea,” Kirundi stated.
He also emphasized his commitment to improving the working terms between tea factories and KTDA, ensuring that the interests of the farmers are well represented. Kirundi encouraged farmers to increase their production, highlighting the superior quality of Kenyan tea and its positive reputation in international markets. “Our focus should also be aimed at production of orthodox tea varieties, which fetch more returns than the normal black tea,” he added.
Kirundi’s leadership has been well-regarded among local farmers, who have expressed hope for his continued success in the national arena. Joseph Wambugu, a local farmer, noted, “Some of the tea reforms we are currently reaping fruits from were championed by Kirundi, and we hope he will clinch national chairmanship in the forthcoming KTDA national polls.”
In a notable development, James Githinji was elected unopposed as the board member for Zone 2, which includes six tea factories in the southern parts of Murang’a County. His unopposed election reflects the confidence and support he enjoys within his zone.
The peaceful conclusion of the KTDA board elections represents a positive step forward for the tea industry in Murang’a. The process demonstrated the commitment of the IEBC to conducting fair elections and the dedication of the candidates to advancing the interests of tea farmers. As Kirundi and Githinji step into their respective roles, the focus will be on continuing the progress made in the sector and addressing the needs and aspirations of tea farmers across the region.
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