Thousands of smallholder tea farmers across Kenya are set to benefit from the government’s latest move to deliver nearly 100,000 metric tonnes of subsidised fertiliser, a partnership effort between the Government of Kenya and the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
A vessel carrying the first batch of 30,000 metric tonnes docked at the Port of Mombasa over the weekend, marking the start of nationwide distribution. The fertiliser, identified as NPK 26:5:5, is a balanced formulation designed to boost soil fertility, improve tea bush health, and ultimately increase yields for farmers.
According to KTDA Chairman Geoffrey Kirundi, the fertiliser will be distributed to all tea farmers managed under KTDA across Kenya’s major tea-growing regions. “This consignment marks the beginning of a series of deliveries that will ensure our farmers receive fertiliser in good time,” he said.
Kirundi confirmed that additional shipments are already on their way, with 33,000 metric tonnes having left China and another 36,000 metric tonnes expected to depart within the next week. He added that KTDA is collaborating with port and logistics authorities to ensure swift movement of the fertiliser to various factories and farmers, despite minor logistical challenges caused by the ongoing short rains.
KTDA Board Member Gathuka Kagombe, who also attended the offloading ceremony, noted that the delay in the fertiliser’s arrival was due to prolonged legal cases over the tendering process. “The legal dispute dragged on for about ten months, eating into valuable logistical time that could have ensured earlier delivery to our farmers,” he explained.
Kagombe revealed that this was the third time in four years that court disputes had delayed fertiliser procurement. He said KTDA is working on long-term solutions to prevent such disruptions in future, as they have proven costly and inconvenient for farmers.
“Farmers will access the fertiliser at a subsidised price of Sh2,500 per 50-kg bag, following the Government's continued support to lower input costs and boost tea production,” Kagombe added.
KTDA Group Chief Executive Officer Wilson Muthaura reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through affordable input distribution. “By ensuring access to quality inputs, we are empowering farmers to produce the finest tea while safeguarding their livelihoods,” he said.
Muthaura noted that the arrival of the fertiliser reinforces KTDA’s promise to improve productivity, reduce production costs, and strengthen Kenya’s global position as one of the world’s leading tea producers.
For tea farmers, the timely access to affordable fertiliser comes as a welcome relief — one that is expected to rejuvenate plantations, enhance yields, and improve household incomes across the country’s key tea-growing regions.
Tea farmers set to benefit from subsidised fertiliser
