KTDA Foundation Launches Major Medical Outreach at Gathuthi Tea Factory to Boost Farmer Wellbeing

 

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Foundation has launched a large-scale medical outreach at the Gathuthi Tea Factory, signalling a renewed drive to prioritize farmer health as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural productivity.

The medical camp, held at Wandumbi Dispensary, is part of KTDA’s strengthened commitment to place farmers at the heart of its decisions under the Health and Wellness Committee’s guiding mantra: Farmer First, Leaving No Farmer Behind.

Speaking during the launch, Ms. Catherine Mankura, Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee and KTDA Holdings Board Member, underscored the organisation’s duty to support farmer welfare beyond the factory gates.

“Leadership is service,” she said. “Our farmers are not statistics. They are families, communities, and the backbone of our economy. Today we bring healthcare to those who faithfully bring life to our tea sub-sector.”

The outreach offers a wide range of free services, including medical screenings, consultations, health education, and treatment for conditions that often go unchecked due to farmers’ demanding schedules. Many smallholders tend to postpone medical visits, prioritizing daily agricultural tasks—an issue KTDA hopes to address by bringing health services directly to them.

KTDA Foundation executives noted that true agricultural development must go beyond production efficiencies and bonuses. They highlighted the importance of strong community health structures, praising medical teams and partners for their commitment and expertise.

Farmers from Gathuthi and neighbouring areas were urged to take advantage of the services provided throughout the camp. “Good health is the foundation of productivity. Early detection saves lives; prevention saves families,” Ms. Mankura emphasized.

The Foundation said the Gathuthi medical camp marks just the beginning of a series of health-focused initiatives planned across KTDA regions as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen community well-being.

KTDA officially opened the Gathuthi Medical Camp with optimism that the outreach will deliver healing, vital health knowledge, and renewed energy to the thousands of farmers who power Kenya’s globally respected tea industry.