KTDA Group CEO Wilson Muthaura, when he hosted Kenya’s ambassadors designate. PHOTO/KTDA
By LEROY KIRUKI
Wilson Muthaura, the Group CEO and Managing Director of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), is regarded as a visionary and transformative corporate guru.
Muthaura’s leadership at KTDA is marked by a commitment to reform and transparency. His strategies have led to a 3.5 percent revenue increase and fostering growth in the tea sector despite market challenges.
Muthaura emphasizes swift implementation of reforms and stakeholder collaboration, which has strengthened KTDA’s position in global markets and mitigated price volatility.
His visionary approach continues to positively impact the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability and makes his leadership at KTDA standout from that of his predecessors.
Muthaura has initiated reforms at KTDA aimed at enhancing tea farmers’ earnings and ensuring fair returns for tea producers. PHOTO/TEA BOARD.
Muthaura is noted for his swift and decisive action in implementing reforms aimed at enhancing farmers’ earnings, stabilising tea prices and aimed at adapting to market changes.
His leadership emphasizes a strong commitment to the welfare of tea farmers, fostering transparency and collaboration, which has garnered praise from government officials and stakeholders alike.
These leadership qualities highlight Muthaura’s focus on driving positive change and sustainability within the tea sector. Muthaura has been the Group CEO and Managing Director of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), since October 2021.
He is recognized for his leadership in driving positive changes within Kenya’s tea sector, focusing on market diversification and enhancing tea exports. Muthaura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Nairobi and further advanced his studies with an MBA from the United States International University (USIU).
His extensive education supports his leadership role at KTDA, where he has been recognized for driving reforms in the tea sector to benefit farmers.
KTDA Group CEO Wilson Muthaura, when he hosted Kenya’s ambassadors designate Dr. Peter Mathuki to Russia, Lt. General (Rtd) Peter M. Njiru to Pakistan, and Lt. General (Rtd) Jonah M. Mwangi to Iran at the KTDA Headquarters. PHOTO/KTDA.
Muthaura has a strong background in management, having previously served in various roles that contribute to his strategic vision for KTDA. His efforts have been pivotal in promoting the Kenyan tea industry both locally and internationally.
Since becoming the Managing Director of KTDA, Muthaura has achieved significant milestones. He has spearheaded efforts to expand tea exports to new markets, including Uganda and Cameroon and enhancing KTDA’s business strategy.
Under his leadership, KTDA implemented an energy monitoring system to improve efficiency in tea processing operations and facilitated new management agreements with over 80 percent of smallholder tea factories, strengthening organizational governance. These initiatives reflect his commitment to driving positive change within Kenya’s tea sector.
Muthaura has introduced several key reforms at KTDA since becoming Managing Director that includes implementation of strategies to stabilize tea prices at auctions, aiming to enhance farmers’ earnings and ensure fair returns for tea producers.
He has also overseen the implementation of Systems Applications and Products (SAP), a widely-used enterprise resource planning (ERP) software across all KTDA factories, improving operational efficiency, payment processing, and decision-making capabilities.
KTDA Group CEO Wilson Muthaura when he hosted Jessica Gakinya, ambassador designate to Rabat, Morocco. PHOTO/KTDA.
The SAP system has reduced payment processing time by over 80 percent for more than 600,000 farmers and he has facilitated new management agreements with a majority of smallholder tea factories, strengthening organisational governance and accountability.
The KTDA boss has employed several strategies to stabilize tea prices at KTDA auctions including implementation of a fixed minimum reserve price of $2.43 per kilogram for tea, aimed at ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.
Muthaura has also focused on expanding KTDA’s market reach, encouraging exports to new regions, which helps mitigate price volatility by accessing broader markets and by improving management agreements with smallholder factories, with the aim to foster better operational practices and accountability, which can indirectly influence price stability.
These strategies reflect his commitment to enhancing the economic conditions for tea farmers while addressing market challenges.
Muthaura’s leadership at KTDA has been characterized by a strong commitment to reform and transparency, earning him praise for his dedication to enhancing farmers’ earnings and driving positive change in the tea sector.
The KTDA CEO’s approach emphasizes swift implementation of reforms and collaboration with stakeholders, fostering a conducive environment for growth within the industry and his ability to navigate challenges while maintaining a focus on the interests of tea farmers has further solidified his reputation as a visionary leader.
Muthaura’s leadership has significantly influenced the growth of Kenya’s tea sub-sector through several key strategies that includes expanding into new markets, helping mitigate price volatility and increasing the competitiveness of Kenyan tea on the global stage.