Overview
- Act: Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation Act, Cap 339
- Formed: 1986
- CEO: Dr. David Chepkwony
The Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation (NTZDC) was established in 1986 under the Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation Act, Cap 339 to promote tea production in Kenya. The corporation focuses on developing tea-growing zones, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, and supporting smallholder farmers. NTZDC aims to enhance the commercial viability of tea farming by providing technical assistance, facilitating marketing, and ensuring the production of high-quality tea. The corporation plays a vital role in increasing tea exports, boosting rural incomes, and contributing to Kenya’s agricultural sector development.
CEO: Dr. David Chepkwony
Dr. David Chepkwony serves as the C.E.O of the NTZDC. Dr. Chepkwony joined NTZDC in 2014 as the Head of the Commercial Unit and was appointed CEO in 2017. Under his leadership, NTZDC has expanded its
conservation efforts and commissioned the Gatitu Tea Factory in Kirinyaga County in 2022.
Board of Governors
Joseph Gitonga M’Limbiine
Chairman
Dr. David Chepkwony
C.E.O
Leonard Kubok
Alt To P.S Ministry Of Agriculture And Livestock Development
Evans Obote
Alt To PS, Treasury
Beatrice Baariu
Independent Director
Paul Kiprop
Independent Director
Andrew Karumbo
Independent Director
Joyce Njogu
Independent Director
Andrew Nyanchoga
Independent Director
Raymond Kemei
Independent Director
Functions
- Development of Tea Zones – Identifies and develops new tea zones, particularly in arid, semi-arid, and underutilized land areas, to increase national tea production.
- Support for Smallholder Farmers – Provides extension services, training, and access to affordable inputs like tea seedlings and fertilizers to boost the productivity of smallholder farmers.
- Tea Production Expansion – Establishes and manages large-scale tea farms within designated zones to enhance tea output and maintain consistency in production.
- Promotion of Commercial Tea Farming – Promotes the commercial viability of tea farming by offering technical support, marketing, and facilitating access to markets for farmers’ tea.
- Capacity Building and Farmer Education – Offers educational programs to farmers on best practices in tea farming, pest management, irrigation, and soil conservation to improve yields and quality.
- Tea Processing and Value Addition – Develops tea processing facilities within the tea zones to add value to raw tea leaves and increase market competitiveness, improving the livelihoods of farmers.
- Improvement of Tea Quality – Focuses on enhancing the quality of tea produced by applying modern farming techniques, quality control measures, and working with farmers on harvesting standards.
- Research and Development – Conducts research on high-yielding, disease-resistant tea varieties, pest control methods, and new farming techniques to improve the sustainability of tea production.
- Environmental Conservation – Promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in tea farming, including soil erosion control, water conservation, and agroforestry, to protect natural resources.
- Economic Empowerment and Rural Development – Generates employment opportunities in tea growing and processing, contributing to poverty alleviation and community development in rural areas by providing income sources and infrastructure development.
Important Links
Address & Contacts
- Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation, Nyayo House, 11th Floor, Kenyatta Av.
- P.O. Box 48552-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- info@teazones.co.ke
- +254 20 2247213