KTDA to release Ksh2.7 billion bank refunds and bonuses to tea farmers by October 15

Tea farmers across the country can expect their long-awaited bonuses and bank refunds by October 15, 2025, the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has confirmed.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 8, KTDA announced that final payments for the 2024/2025 financial year will be credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts, alongside proceeds from September green leaf deliveries.

“Following the conclusion of the Financial Year 2024/25 accounts and subsequent declaration of the final green leaf payment by the respective factory boards of directors, the same shall be released to the farmers’ respective banks not later than 15th October 2025,” the agency stated.

The directive follows a recent order from Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Rono, who instructed KTDA to ensure the funds are disbursed equitably and reflected in farmers’ payslips as “GOK Refund.”

In a significant relief for growers, KTDA also confirmed that farmers will receive refunds from Chase Bank and Imperial Bank, which had been under liquidation since 2016.

The two banks collapsed nearly a decade ago, trapping billions in farmer deposits. Through the intervention of the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC), Ksh2.7 billion has now been released to facilitate recovery.

“In addition, the farmers will be paid the funds recovered from Imperial Bank and Chase Bank, both under liquidation. The funds were received from the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation,” KTDA said, lauding the government’s efforts to facilitate the payout.

President William Ruto officiated the recovery of the funds on September 11, directing KTDA to remit the amount to affected farmers.

The Ksh2.7 billion refund aims to cushion tea growers, particularly those in the West of Rift regions, who recently received lower bonus payouts from their factories.