Relief for tea farmers as Gov't releases Ksh.2B refund for fertiliser subsidies

The government has released Ksh.2 billion to the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) to refund smallholder tea farmers for fertiliser costs under the subsidy program.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Rono announced that the refunds, initially set for January 5, will now be paid alongside the November green leaf payments.

Speaking in Kericho, Dr. Rono reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing the tea sector, which contributed Ksh.210 billion to GDP last year.

Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai called for the establishment of a local tea auction to reduce logistics costs and improve market access for farmers.