The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) and tea industry stakeholders renewed calls in 2019 for the reinstatement of the dissolved Tea Board of Kenya, arguing its restoration is critical for sector governance.
During a Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing on the Tea Bill 2018, KTDA managing director Lerionka Tiampati emphasized the need to revert to the defunct Tea Board structure. He highlighted that the 2014 dissolution left a regulatory gap, stating, "The Tea Board established under the previously enacted Tea Act was more effective in overseeing tea production, sales, and exports."
Tiampati noted that global tea-producing nations like India and Sri Lanka maintain independent tea boards, contrasting with Kenya’s current Tea Directorate. He opposed relocating the regulator’s headquarters from Nairobi to Kericho, citing the capital’s strategic role in trade logistics and the use of farmer-funded infrastructure for the existing facility.
East African Tea Traders (Eatta) supported the push for an independent body, with managing director Edward Mudibo stating, "The Tea Board of Kenya was a globally recognized brand. Its reinstatement would align Kenya with international standards." Eatta also endorsed separating the Tea Regulatory Authority from the Agriculture and Food Authority.
