KTDA Breaks Silence on Viral Documents Alleging Financial Misconduct

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has clarified claims circulating online over its financial affairs, borrowing, governance, and relationships with financial institutions.

In a statement dated August 19, KTDA said the documents being circulated have not been officially issued or authenticated and do not represent its official position.

“The attention of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) leadership has been drawn to a poster and several documents currently circulating on social media and other platforms purporting to contain information concerning KTDA’s financial affairs, loans, governance and the conduct of various individuals and financial institutions associated with the company,” read part of the statement.

KTDA Challenges Authenticity of Viral TBK Audit Document

The agency stated that one of the documents had been attributed to an audit by the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK).

However, KTDA said the document does not contain signatures, an official stamp or other authentication required to verify its authenticity.

KTDA warned that the document should not be treated as an authenticated official report or used to draw conclusions about its directors, management, financiers or other stakeholders.

In addition, KTDA noted that its financial transactions are audited by professional bodies through established procedures, with the findings formally communicated to the relevant institutions and, where appropriate, its shareholders and other stakeholders.

The agency said it was therefore misleading to circulate the document as an authenticated audit report or use it to draw conclusions about the agency, its directors, management, financiers or other stakeholders.

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Agency Says Unverified Claims Could Damage Its Reputation

KTDA also dismissed suggestions that its borrowing arrangements amounted to evidence of financial wrongdoing.

The agency said it has legitimate financing arrangements and financial obligations with various institutions as part of its commercial operations.

It stressed that the existence of loans does not, on its own, demonstrate fraud, financial impropriety or mismanagement.

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The agency said the circulation of the unverified documents and allegations raised concerns about an apparent attempt to damage its reputation and undermine confidence in its leadership and business relationships.

KTDA also pointed to the increasingly charged political environment ahead of the forthcoming General Election, saying public institutions can become targets of misinformation and political campaigns.

As a result, the agency urged farmers and shareholders to rely on information provided through its official communication channels and established governance structures.

It also warned that it will pursue legal and regulatory action over the unauthorised acquisition, alteration or dissemination of protected information.

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