Operations at Ngere Tea Factory in Gatanga, Murang’a County are set to continue smoothly despite a fire incident that occurred on the night of Monday, September 1, 2025. The Kenya Tea Development Agency Management Services (KTDA MS) confirmed the blaze, which started near the factory’s sorting area, but assured farmers and stakeholders that no injuries or fatalities were reported.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 2, KTDA noted that the swift response from the community and emergency services was instrumental in containing the fire. Local first responders from Ngere were joined by the Murang’a County and Thika fire brigades, who managed to bring the situation under control before the flames could spread to other sections of the factory.
“The fire was promptly contained through the swift action of first responders from the Ngere area, working alongside the Murang’a County and Thika fire brigades. We extend our sincere gratitude to them for their timely intervention, which ensured the situation was quickly brought under control,” the agency said.
While the fire sparked concerns among tea farmers regarding potential disruptions to processing, KTDA reassured them that operations at the factory remain unaffected. The agency emphasized that farmers should continue delivering their green leaf as usual, as alternative measures are in place to ensure continuity.
A technical team has already been deployed to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage. The findings will guide the restoration process and any necessary improvements to enhance fire safety measures at the facility.
“KTDA MS is committed to ensuring that farmers’ interests are safeguarded. We shall continue providing regular updates as we progress towards full restoration,” the agency stated.
The Ngere Tea Factory serves thousands of smallholder farmers in Murang’a County, and uninterrupted operations are crucial for safeguarding their livelihoods. KTDA’s quick assurance is expected to calm fears and maintain confidence in the stability of the tea value chain, even as investigations into the incident continue.
