NAIROBI: Kenya commemorates 100 years of tea commercialization with a strategic focus on value addition and diversification to cater to a broader market spectrum. As the nation reflects on its century-long journey in the tea industry, attention is now turned to enhancing the value and appeal of its tea products for future generations.
According to Kenya News Agency, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja emphasized the significant evolution of the Kenyan tea industry during a centenary celebration event in Nairobi. From its modest beginnings, the country has expanded its export reach from a single nation to over 90 global destinations. Dr. Karanja highlighted Kenya’s ambition to transition from exporting raw tea to value-added products, aiming to appeal to younger consumers by introducing varied flavors and forms of tea, positioning it as an “any time” beverage akin to coffee.
Over the years, tea has emerged as a crucial foreign exchange earner for Kenya, providing direct
and indirect livelihoods to over six million people. In 2024, export earnings from tea are projected to reach Sh.180 billion, up from Sh138 billion the previous year. By August this year, earnings had already exceeded last year’s figures by Sh21 billion, totaling Sh127 billion.
Dr. Karanja noted the expansion of the Mombasa tea auction, which now accommodates tea from neighboring countries, underscoring the industry’s role in the nation’s socio-economic development. Tea is a flagship project under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) initiative, emphasizing value addition to maximize returns across the value chain.
To support the industry, several regulations under the Tea Act, 2020, are nearing completion, with the ministry set to gazette them soon. These reforms aim to bolster the sustainability and performance of the tea sector. Looking ahead to 2024, tea production is expected to surpass 600 million kilograms, with government initiatives like subsidized fertilizers at Sh2,500 helping to m
aintain quality production standards.
Efforts are underway to enhance the international market presence of Kenyan tea, with plans for trade missions targeting potential buyers. The suspension of the minimum price directive at the Mombasa auction has notably reduced unsold tea volumes, with stock levels dropping from 100 million kilograms in 2023 to below 15 million kilograms in 2024.
Tea Board of Kenya Chairman Jacob Kahiu and CEO Willy Mutai both emphasized the importance of exploring new markets and engaging youth in the tea value chain. Initiatives will focus on sustainability, innovation, and global positioning, with activities designed to attract younger consumers through media engagement, knowledge transfer, and capacity building.
The centenary celebrations highlight Kenya’s commitment to maintaining its global tea industry leadership while adapting to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.