Power and Agency in Kenya: Political Duels and Cooperation’s Between Smallholder Tea Farmers and Private Factories in Nandi County

This study investigates the political duel between smallholder tea farmers (SHTFs) and private tea factories in Nandi County, Kenya, a critical tea-producing region. Anchored in Political Economy Theory and Negotiation Agency Theory, it examines how government policies, market competition, training programs, and technological advancements shape SHTF-private factory political interactions. Employing a qualitative explanatory design with a historical approach, the study collected data through semi-structured interviews with 45 participants (SHTFs, KTDA executives, and private factory managers) from April 1 to April 24, 2023, complemented by document analysis. Findings indicate that the Tea Act (2021) enhances SHTF bargaining power, but private factories’ policy influence and mechanization still exacerbate inequalities, marginalizing SHTFs. SHTFs counter this adverse reality through cooperatives, advocacy, and training adoption, though structural constraints limit their agency. Recommendations include strengthening SHTF representation, ensuring policy transparency, and promoting sustainable practices to foster equitable partnerships. This study contributes to understanding power dynamics and agency in agricultural value chains.