The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe has called for urgent reforms in Kenya’s tea sector to help it withstand global economic shocks and secure the livelihoods of farmers.
Speaking during a high level consultative meeting with KTDA Holdings Limited and the Tea Board of Kenya, the CS warned that external geopolitical tensions including the ripple effects of the US Israel conflict involving Iran have exposed vulnerabilities in Kenya’s export markets.
Kagwe emphasized the need for diversification, urging stakeholders to explore and strengthen alternative markets, particularly China, to reduce overreliance on traditional buyers.
He noted that Kenya’s dependence on a limited number of export destinations leaves farmers exposed to market disruptions, adding that expanding market access and deepening trade relations would be critical for long-term stability.
The CS also highlighted an upcoming trade mission to the United Kingdom, describing it as strategic in reinforcing Kenya’s presence in one of its largest tea export markets, where KTDA tea is widely sold. He stressed the importance of engaging key industry players, including Lipton, as well as UK-based tea buying companies operating in Kenya.
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On pricing, Kagwe raised concerns over inconsistent purchase volumes by international buyers, calling for fair and sustainable pricing mechanisms to protect both large-scale producers and smallholder farmers.
He further urged a review of sustainability certification frameworks, particularly those by the Rainforest Alliance, pointing out the disparity between certification requirements and actual export volumes, noting that while only about 8 percent of Kenya’s tea is exported to the UK, nearly all production is subjected to certification standards.
Kagwe also underscored the importance of strengthening Kenya’s tea identity through geographical indication, branding and packaging, saying that the country must shift from exporting bulk tea that is repackaged abroad to selling finished, branded products to retain value locally and create employment opportunities for youth.
Also present at the meeting was Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Maurice Makoloo, who pledged to support efforts to grow Kenya’s market share in the UK.
He said the Kenyan mission in London would spearhead a targeted campaign to promote Kenyan tea as a distinct global brand while enhancing trade partnerships.
By Obegi Malack
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