Reprieve for tea farmers and exporters

The Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled plans to allow all one hundred and forty-two (142) tea factories across the country to sell directly to international buyers.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, speaking at Gitugi Tea Factory in Nyeri County on Friday, said the move will eliminate middlemen and significantly boost farmers’ profit margins.

“Our focus remains to ensure better returns for farmers, strengthening governance in the tea sub-sector, and promoting transparency in smallholder tea factories,” said Kagwe.

He added that the ministry is intensifying efforts to tap into emerging global markets, with plans to engage key stakeholders in the tea industry.

“These missions align with Kenya’s Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy, Vision 2030, and the Tea Industry Global Marketing Strategy,” the CS stated.

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Among key destinations that Kenya aims to export directly are; as China, India, Russia, and the Middle East to promote the country’s "Green Gold”

Additionally, the ministry announced the launch of an orthodox tea auction window under the Integrated Tea Trading System (ITTS), scheduled for June 2025. The initiative aims to diversify exports and enhance farmers' earnings.

"This new approach will strengthen our distribution channels and support a shift from the traditional Cut, Tear, and Curl (CTC) teas to more sustainable and premium orthodox teas," he said.

The strategy is also expected to provide a dedicated global platform for the sale of Kenya’s orthodox teas, which are gaining popularity in international markets.