The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holdings Board has appointed Eng. Francis Miano as the agency’s Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, effective January 16, 2026, following the departure of former CEO Wilson Muthaura, who has proceeded on terminal leave.
The appointment was announced by KTDA Holdings Chairman Chege Kirundi, who expressed confidence in Miano’s ability to steer the organization through the transition period.
Miano, a registered professional engineer and corporate member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, brings over 30 years of professional and managerial experience to the role. Prior to his appointment, he headed KTDA’s Group Technical Services Division.
Kirundi said Miano’s experience and familiarity with the agency would support the transition and provide leadership continuity.
“Eng Miano brings extensive experience and deep institutional knowledge to the role,” Kirundi said in a statement. “The Board is confident in his ability to provide steady leadership as the organisation transitions”.
The board also acknowledged the contribution of the outgoing CEO, Wilson Muthaura, and expressed its appreciation for his service to the organization.
“The Board expresses its sincere appreciation to Muthaura for his dedicated service to the organisation and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” Kirundi added.
Muthaura’s departure marks the latest leadership change at KTDA, an agency that oversees the management of more than 600,000 smallholder tea farmers across Kenya through its network of factories and subsidiary companies.
Muthaura had been appointed Group CEO in October 2021, having previously served in senior leadership positions across private and public institutions for over 24 years.
The leadership transition comes at a critical juncture for the tea sector, as KTDA implements reforms aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing governance and strengthening earnings across the tea value chain.
Kirundi affirmed that the reforms would continue uninterrupted under the new acting CEO.
Miano’s technical background and longstanding involvement in the organization are expected to support continuity in KTDA’s operations and strategic initiatives.
He played a key role in KTDA’s product diversification strategy, including the establishment of Africa’s first Japanese Sencha Green Tea production factory in Kangaita, Nyeri County.
He has also been involved in energy efficiency initiatives that earned national recognition for KTDA factories.
The agency assured farmers and stakeholders that the leadership transition would not affect ongoing operations and service delivery.
