Tea farmers in major tea-growing zones east and west of the Rift Valley have expressed relief and optimism following upward review of monthly green-leaf payment rates.

A directive issued last week by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holdings has seen factory boards revise the green leaf price to at least Ksh30 per kilogramme effective February 2026.

Previously, farmers contracted by factories east of the Rift Valley earned up to Ksh25 per kilogramme, while those west of the Rift were paid a maximum of Ksh20 – a disparity that had long drawn complaints from growers.

In the review, farmers west of the rift will now earn Ksh26 per kilo of green leaf monthly. Interviewed, farmers said the review comes as a much-needed boost after years of declining earnings that had pushed many to the brink of abandoning tea farming.

“We have depended on tea as our primary source of income for decades yet last year we received one of the lowest bonus pay-outs in recent history, dropping by more than Ksh10 per kilo,” Nathan Mbuthia said. Mbuthia is contracted by Kanyenyaini Tea Factory.

“We are still recovering from that shock but this new rate gives us hope. At least now we can see a silver lining,” he added

Mbuthia noted that the steep decline in bonus payments by nearly Ksh20 per kilogramme in some factories had left farmers devastated.

“Personally, I was contemplating switching to an alternative crop. With this review, I will be able to service my loans and send my children to school without too much strain,” he said.

The prolonged drop in tea prices had triggered frustration among growers, who repeatedly demanded government intervention to stabilise the sector and cushion them against global market shocks.

KTDA has previously attributed the reduced earnings to a slump in global tea prices, compounded by delayed fertiliser distribution, depressed rainfall that lowered production volumes, unfavourable exchange rates and the loss of key export markets such as Iran and Sudan due to geopolitical tensions.

KTDA chairman Chege Kirundi, speaking earlier this month, acknowledged the challenges but assured farmers of better prospects ahead.

“Last year was particularly difficult for the sector, but we are optimistic that 2026 will be a better year. We are doing everything possible to stabilise the industry and protect growers’ earnings,” Kirundi said.

Farmers say the revised rates have already renewed confidence in the sector. Paul Mwangi, a smallholder affiliated to Githambo Tea Factory said the industry is slowly regaining its footing.

“This increase means the farmer can better cope with the harsh economic times while earning a dignified livelihood from hard work. It shows that our factory directors are beginning to prioritise the welfare of growers,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to sustain the upward trend, calling for a gradual review to Ksh40 per kilogramme.

“We are hopeful that this year’s bonus will not fall below Sh50. That motivation encourages us to invest more in nurturing quality tea,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lucy Wambui, a farmer affiliated to Kiru Tea Factory, welcomed the price adjustment but called for reforms in bonus payment schedules.

“Quarterly bonus payments would help cushion farmers from exchange-rate fluctuations. When the shilling strengthens, farmers would benefit immediately instead of waiting for a full year,” she said.

Wambui noted that such a system would provide steadier cash flow and help farmers better plan their household and farm expenses.

The price review has been widely welcomed as a positive step towards restoring confidence in Kenya’s tea sector, which remains a critical source of livelihood for millions of small-scale farmers.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Florence Kinyua