Kabianga: The government has unveiled bold plans to revitalize Kenya's tea sector by placing youth, technology, and value addition at the center of efforts to target higher earnings and job creation. Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Agriculture, Dr. Paul Rono, emphasized the need for the tea sector to evolve to remain competitive and sustainable amid changing global market dynamics.

According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Rono's speech, read by Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) Chief Executive Officer Willy Mutai during the launch of the International Tea Day 2026 commemoration activities at the University of Kabianga, highlighted the government's commitment to positioning the sector for long-term growth. The government prioritizes youth involvement, the adoption of modern technology, and the diversification of tea products to enhance value addition and market access.

The PS revealed that this year's celebrations, themed 'Fostering Growth and Inclusion', will feature activities aimed at attracting young people into the industry while promoting innovation and sustainability. 'For Kenya, tea is more than a beverage. It is the cornerstone of our economy, a leading foreign exchange earner, and a source of livelihoods for millions of farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs,' PS Rono pointed out.

The build-up activities will include a national tree-growing initiative aimed at promoting environmental conservation and climate resilience, alongside a public forum and expo to further engage stakeholders in shaping the future of the tea industry. 'These include today's official launch of the Youth Festival; the Tea Innovation Exhibition here at the University of Kabianga; a national tree-growing initiative at Chemamul Primary School on May 20, 2026, and a public forum on May 21, 2026, at Momul Tea Factory,' said PS Rono.

Key highlights, such as the Youth Festival and Tea Innovations Exhibition, will showcase emerging ideas across the tea value chain, including new tea products, digital applications, and entrepreneurship ventures targeting the sector. A high-level panel discussion themed 'Brewing the Future: Leveraging Technology and Value Addition to Unlock Youth Entrepreneurship in Kenya's Tea Sector' will form the heart of the festival, bringing together tea industry players and young innovators to explore transformative opportunities.

The discussions will focus on expanding value addition through the production of specialty teas such as purple, green, white, and orthodox varieties, as well as diversification into tea-based products, including cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and food items. Stakeholders will explore how digital tools and automation can improve productivity, enhance quality, and boost competitiveness in both local and international markets.

Dr. Rono acknowledged the hurdles young entrepreneurs face, including limited access to capital, barriers to market entry, and the high cost of adopting modern technologies. To address these challenges, the government encourages partnerships across the public and private sectors, as well as closer collaboration between academic institutions and industry players to align skills with market needs.

The festival will also feature career mentorship forums and research presentations by industry professionals and scholars, providing young people with insights into agronomy, agribusiness, scholarships, employment, and investment opportunities. Additionally, there will be tea tasting challenges and sports and recreational activities, including the Kipchimchim Group Tournament and fun races to foster community engagement, well-being, and teamwork, said Dr. Rono.

The PS reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the sector through policies that enhance productivity, expand market access, and promote sustainable practices. He called on stakeholders, including investors, development partners, and the media, to support ongoing efforts to reposition Kenyan tea as a premium global product.

Present at the event were the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kabianga, Prof. Eric Koech; Kenya Tea Research Institute (TRI) Director, Lilian Kerio; representatives from FairTrade Africa and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO); tea industry experts; and Kericho County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives docket Mr. John Cheruiyot, among other invited guests.

The International Tea Day is celebrated globally on May 21 to recognize the cultural and economic significance of tea worldwide.