More than 8,000 Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) employees are set to receive a 14% general wage increase following the signing of an updated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU).

In a statement by EPK, the revised agreement provides a 7% wage increase in 2026, backdated to January 2026.

Employees will receive a further 7% wage increase in 2027, bringing the total general wage increase under the updated CBA to 14%.

“More than 8,000 Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) staff members are set to enjoy a 14% wage increase following the signing of an updated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) earlier today,” the statement read in part.

EPK Highlights Staff Welfare as New Wage Deal Takes Effect

EPK Company Director Leah Kibii Chirchir said the company continues to prioritize staff welfare as part of its corporate strategy.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chirchir said the company’s staff welfare initiatives are intended to promote shared prosperity, while recognizing employees’ role in sustaining operations and producing Kenyan tea for international markets.

Chirchir said the wage review is an important step towards supporting the welfare and livelihoods of workers in the agricultural sector.

“Our employees are at the heart of our business. Every day, through their dedication and hard work, they contribute to EPK’s success and the quality of the tea we produce. We therefore welcome this review as an important step towards supporting the welfare and livelihoods of workers in the agricultural sector,” said Ms Chirchir. 

Atwoli Praises EPK Over Industrial Relations

KPAWU Secretary General Francis Atwoli acknowledged the challenging operating environment facing tea growers and other agricultural companies but described EPK as one of the sector’s leading companies in industrial relations compliance.

Atwoli said large tea growers such as EPK play an important role in national development, particularly through employment, and pledged KPAWU’s continued support as the company’s industrial relations partner.

“At KPAWU, we recognize the role large tea growers such as EPK are playing in national development, especially in the employment sector. As their industrial relations partner, we shall continue to extend our support for such partners,” Atwoli said.

EPK Company Director Leah Kibii Chirchir reiterated the company’s commitment to its stakeholders and said it goes beyond statutory requirements.

The company said it will work with relevant stakeholders to implement the revised wage requirements, while maintaining its focus on sustainable operations, quality production and employee welfare.

Eastern Produce Kenya

Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) is a major private tea producer based in Nandi Hills, west of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.

The company owns five tea factories and seven estates and also manages additional client operations.

EPK works with about 14,000 smallholder tea growers, and the company and its partner growers collectively produce about 30 million kilograms of tea annually.

It markets its tea under brands including Sokot, Kipkoimet, Kepchomo, Chemomi, Kamarya and Sitoi.

The company employs more than 8,000 people and says its operations support more than 60,000 dependants.

Its activities also include healthcare, housing, education, and community development programs.

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8,000+ EPK Workers to Get 14% Pay Rise Under New CBA With KPAWU
Photo of a farmer plucking tea leaves from a tea farm. PHOTO/The Trading Room