The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), working with the Ministry of Agriculture, has flagged off the first consignment of fertiliser for smallholder tea farmers. The official flag-off took place on 8 September 2026 at the Port of Mombasa.
KTDA has procured a total of 99,000 metric tonnes of NPK 26:5:5 fertiliser. Of this, about 30,000 metric tonnes formed the first batch that was flagged off and is now being moved inland. The full consignment will yield roughly 1.9 million 50kg bags for about 800,000 smallholder tea farmers.
Logistics and Distribution
The first batch is being transported by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Mombasa to Nairobi, then by road to buying centres linked to KTDA-managed factories nationwide. Two more vessels carrying the balance of the 99,000-tonne order are expected later this month.
KTDA Chairman Enos Njeru said distribution is running around the clock so that farmers can apply the fertiliser at the onset of the rains. Farmers should check with their local factory buying centres for collection schedules.
Price and Subsidy
KTDA said the fertiliser was secured at more than Sh5,500 per 50kg bag before additional clearing, transportation and insurance costs. Under the government subsidy, now harmonised with the national agricultural subsidy programme, tea farmers will access it at Sh2,000 per 50kg bag.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Kipronoh Ronoh confirmed that tea growers will pay the same subsidised rate offered to other crop farmers. Local transport adjustments determined by factory zone may slightly affect the final amount deducted from farmers’ accounts.
KTDA’s fertiliser credit scheme remains available, allowing small-scale growers to pay for their allocations in flexible monthly instalments.
Strategic Directives
Ronoh directed the Tea Research Institute to accelerate soil mapping across tea-growing zones so that future fertiliser formulations better match local nutrient needs. He urged farmers to collect their bags promptly so the fertiliser can be applied before the rains intensify.
The government has also committed funds for modernising smallholder tea factories as part of a broader support package for the sector.
Read also:Top 5 Profitable Agribusiness Ideas in Kenya for 2026
Bottom Line
KTDA has flagged off the first batch (about 30,000 tonnes) of a total 99,000 metric tonnes of NPK 26:5:5 fertiliser for about 800,000 smallholder tea farmers. The official ceremony took place on 8 September 2026 at the Port of Mombasa. The fertiliser is available at the subsidised price of Sh2,000 per 50kg bag, and two further vessels are still expected.
Farmers are advised to confirm collection details and exact deductions with their local KTDA factory buying centres. Timely application remains critical for bush health and green-leaf production this season.
Sources:
The Star – Flag-off of 30,000 tonnes as first batch of 99,000 tonnes (10 September 2026);
The Eastleigh Voice – Flag-off 8 September; cost more than Sh5,500 before extra charges;
The Standard – 99,000 tonnes for about 800,000 farmers;
The Standard – Distribution under way.
Farmers should confirm final prices and collection details with their local KTDA factory. This article is for information only.