Paul Arithi 
Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA)-managed tea factory companies have commenced the review of monthly payments rates for the farmers to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements and board guidance.
The KTDA Holdings Board has advised factory boards to consider and as well appropriate,approve the revised rates capped at a maximum of Kshs.30 subject to each factory’s cash flow position and existing financial obligations.
Under the guidance,factories in the West of the Rift are expected to set the monthly payments of up to Kshs.26,while those in the East of the Rift have a ceiling of Kshs.30.
The new rates are effective in February 2026.
The decision to revise the monthly payments,including the final amounts payable ,rests entirely wirh the individual factory boards.
In September 2025,Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) addressed concerns raised by farmers and the public regarding tea second payment (popularly known as bonus) across the country.
The drop in earnings was mainly attributed to international market conditions and currency exchange movements that were less favourable compared previous years,the Agency said.
