By BRIAN MUSYOKA
A total of 2,209 tea farmers affiliated with Kathangariri Tea Factory in Embu County have completed a six-month intensive training programme designed to boost tea yields, diversify income streams and improve livelihoods.
The programme, run under the Mount Kenya Sustainable Landscape and Livelihoods (MSuLLi) initiative, is spearheaded by the Rainforest Alliance in collaboration with the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Foundation and Kathangariri Tea Factory.
Participants were equipped with knowledge on regenerative agriculture, climate-smart farming, riparian zone protection, agribusiness, crop diversification, home economics, and value addition.
During the Farmers’ Field School Graduation Day held on Thursday, Rainforest Alliance’s Susan Kinyua highlighted the central role of climate-smart practices in the curriculum. “We integrate climate risk mapping, digital solutions, and regenerative methods to help farmers build resilient agricultural systems,” she said.
KTDA Foundation’s MSULLi programme officer Allan Kinuthia noted that the training also focuses on expanding market opportunities for smallholders. The programme is ongoing in eight KTDA factories; five in Kirinyaga and three in Embu aiming to train 25,000 farmers, with 14,062 already reached.
Kathangariri Tea Factory Chairperson Moses Kamau praised the collaboration, saying it will raise productivity, improve farmer earnings, and uplift livelihoods.
Chief Guest Maureen Muthoni Njuguna from the Ministry of Cooperatives in Embu County lauded the initiative as a game-changer for the tea industry and encouraged more farmers to take part.
Beneficiaries also shared their experiences, among them Jane Njeru from Mbuvori, who said skills in diversified farming, yoghurt production, and soap making would help her grow her income and better support her family.
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