Members of Parliament (MPs) drawn from the West of Rift tea growing region are now calling for formation of an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) operations which they have accused of being corrupt following the discrepancies in 2025 tea bonuses payment.

In a press conference on Wednesday 8th October, 2025, the Members led by Hon. Brighton Yegon who is the Agriculture and Livestock Committee Vice-Chairperson, condemned the low bonus paid to farmers from the region saying that over 700,00O farmers have been short-changed yet again despite their relentless effort in producing the world’s best tea.

They blamed KTDA management services for failing to control rising costs of production and management, including inflated firewood procurement and staff expenses and manipulation of weighing scales by some field clerks, under pressure from factory managers.

“In Kenya, tea is 2nd foreign exchange earner. Last year alone tea exports were worth Kshs 215billion and 68 percent of national tea production is from West of Rift while 32 per cent is from East of Rift. However, tea prices from west of rift are dismal and worth concern,” Yegon said.

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Eliminating Bias and Fairness 

The legislators are now demanding the introduction of blind or scientific tea testing at the auction to eliminate bias and guarantee fairness and a balanced representation model at KTDA holdings claiming that the current one is imbalanced in favor of East of Rift farmers.

“In 2025, we cannot have mouth being the single tasting instrument of products we must move to scientific tasting and to KTDA management, once this Ad-hoc Committee is formed, we will tackle the cartels once and for all,” lKitutu Masaba MP, Clive Gisario said.

‘Out of 13 brokerage firms serving Kenya’s tea auction, only one originates from the West of Rift, yet this region contributes 68 percent of the national tea production. We demand fair representation in brokerage licensing to ensure equitable participation and regional inclusivity in tea marketing. We also demand immediate disbandment of tea trade association and a transparent exercise involving the farmer be put in place,” part of their press statement read.

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Tea Amendment Bill

At the same time, they called upon the House Business Committee to prioritize the Tea Amendment Bill that is currently tabled for 2nd reading in the National Assembly.

Nandi Hills MP Benard Kitur stated that the tea from West of Rift are the best worldwide however, its awkward that it receives the worst ratings in Mombasa auction.

The Members were drawn from Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Nandi and Nyamira Counties.

The MPs for formation an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate KTDA. PHOTO/Parliament.