Despite a challenging year marked by falling global prices, a stronger shilling and rising costs, KTDA Holdings Limited says the smallholder tea sector remains resilient.
Addressing the 2025 KTDA Directors Conference, CEO Wilson Muthaura reported that green leaf intake fell by 12.1 percent and made tea production by 11.55 percent.
Even so, factories sold 319 million kilograms of made tea — a 10 percent increase from last year.
Muthaura credited disciplined operations for the strong performance and urged directors to use this period as a springboard for transformation, with a focus on efficiency and new revenue streams.
He noted that digital systems such as EWS Phase II, weighbridges and SAP continue to enhance transparency and decision-making.
KTDA is also advancing farmer-centric sustainability efforts, including climate-resilient tea cultivars and diversification into avocados, livestock and other ventures.
Subsidiaries delivered mixed results, with Ketepa returning to profitability and KTDA Power posting growth.
Strengthened governance, better risk management and renewed attention to people and culture are helping to shape KTDA into a modern, farmer-focused organisation.
The CEO said the sector stands at a pivotal moment, challenging yet full of opportunity, anchored by resilience and unity.
