About us
Our History
Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation (NTZDC) was founded in 1986 through a Legal Gazette Notice No. 265 under the State Corporation Act (Cap 466). It was initially established to serve a dual purpose:
- To protect Kenya’s gazetted forests from encroachment by creating buffer zones.
- To promote forest conservation and environmental protection through tea planting and agroforestry.
Since its inception, NTZDC has played a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of Kenya’s forests while providing socio-economic benefits through employment and tea production in the buffer zones.
Mandate
NTZDC’s primary mandate is the conservation of forests and the protection of the environment. This is achieved by establishing buffer zones of tea and assorted tree species around forests to deter illegal encroachment, prevent deforestation, and promote biodiversity conservation.
Vision
Transforming Livelihoods to Inspire Sustainable Forest Conservation
Mission
To establish and maintain gazetted forest buffer belts and produce eco-friendly, high-quality products that satisfy the needs of all stakeholders.
Integrity
Upholding honesty and strong moral principles in all activities..
Commitment
Dedication to achieving organizational objectives and stakeholder satisfaction.
Team work
Collaborating to achieve shared goals
Respect
Fostering an environment of mutual respect.
Professionalism
Delivering services with expertise and responsibility.
National Values
& Principles of Governance and Public Service Values as per the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 (Articles 10 and 232
NTZDC is a crucial player in Kenya’s forest conservation efforts, integrating tea farming with environmental conservation in buffer zones. The Corporation has successfully contributed to the 44% forest cover protected in Kenya through sustainable agriculture and community engagement. NTZDC’s commitment to sustainable practices helps promote forest preservation, reduce poverty, and enhance rural livelihoods.
Scope of Operations
NTZDC operates in 19 zones across Kenya, covering a buffer footprint of over 939 kilometers in length. These buffer zones consist of 5,235 hectares of assorted trees and 4,064 hectares of tea plantations, spread over eight regions. The Corporation is also responsible for managing Kipchabo Tea Factory in Nandi County and is expanding operations with a new factory in Kirinyaga County.
Service Charter
NTZDC is committed to: Forest Conservation, Sustainable Tea Farming, Community Engagement, Eco-friendly Products.
Board Of Directors
At the heart of our success is a dynamic leadership team, bringing a wealth of experience and strategic vision to the organization
Mr. Leonard Kubok
ALTERNATE TO PS MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT
Established in 2010, Kipchabo Tea Factory marked a significant milestone for the Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation (NTZDC) as its first manufacturing plant. Located in the lush North Rift Region of Kenya, KTF began processing its own tea after a 25-year journey of cultivating tea bushes, which first matured in 1989. Prior to the factory’s establishment, all tea produced by NTZDC was processed by KTDA and other industry players.
In 2014, KTF embraced a robust strategy focused on value addition, leading to the introduction of various tea brands into the local market, including Chabo Tea, Chabo Tea Bags, Eco Tea, and Kipchabo FDS, with Najma Tea set to launch soon.
Currently, KTF processes an impressive 15 million kg of green leaf annually, generating an estimated Ksh 1.2 billion in revenue for the Corporation.
In 2014, KTF embraced a robust strategy focused on value addition, leading to the introduction of various tea brands into the local market, including Chabo Tea, Chabo Tea Bags, Eco Tea, and Kipchabo FDS, with Najma Tea set to launch soon. Currently, KTF processes an impressive 15 million kg of green leaf annually, generating an estimated Ksh 1.2 billion in revenue for the Corporation.
Opened in 2022, Gatitu Tea Factory represents the second ambitious venture of NTZDC, situated in the agriculturally rich Kirinyaga County. Construction commenced in June 2016, with the goal of replicating the successful operational model of Kipchabo Tea Factory to maximize returns from the Corporation’s green leaf while minimizing post-harvest losses during peak production periods.
The Gatitu Tea Factory is designed with three processing lines, with the first line capable of handling approximately 7 million kg of green leaf annually.
This factory sources tea from the fertile catchment zones of Kirinyaga, Embu, Mathira, and Meru South, covering a combined area of 675 hectares.
The second and third lines are dedicated to processing tea from over 3,000 outgrowers, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality tea.
GTF prioritizes value addition, committing 60% of its processing capacity to specialty and orthodox teas, which command higher market prices. The factory is expected to create at least 100 direct jobs for local youth and sustain livelihoods for over 5,000 casual workers in the surrounding communities. Furthermore, GTF is set to enhance local infrastructure, including roads and electricity, fostering economic growth and development in the area.