Packed tea ready for dispatch to the Mombasa auction. Photo/courtesy

Mombasa tea auction sales dip as new levy bite

Smallholder tea sales at the Mombasa Tea Auction fell to 128.6 million kg from 138.8 million kg a year earlier. Exporters blame the new Ksh 2.28 per kg tea levy for reducing demand from international buyers. TBK says the levy will fund tea price stabilisation, research and sector infrastructure. Smallholder tea factories sold 128,554,359kgs of…

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Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe-Photo|Courtesy

Kagwe defends tea levy as government bets on value addition

Kagwe defended the Tea Levy, saying it funds tea marketing, research and value addition, not farmers. Tea uptake has risen to 93 per cent, which he said disproves claims the levy has hurt sales. Gov’t handed over a Ksh360 million Sencha tea factory to Kangaita Tea Factory to boost value addition and farmer incomes. Agriculture…

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agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe speaking during the flagging off of bulk milk coolers for dairy cooperatives at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on May 20, 2026-Photo|Courtesy

Gov’t moves to dispel myths on proposed 0.8pc Tea Levy, assures farmers of protection

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has moved to dispel growing concerns over the proposed tea levy, insisting that farmers will not bear the cost and that all proceeds will be reinvested directly into the industry. Under the draft framework, tea exports will attract a levy of 0.8 per cent of the auction value…

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The Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) CEO Willy Mutai-Photo|Courtesy

TBK defends new tea levy, says it will boost farmer earnings and sector competitiveness

The Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) has moved to address growing concerns over a new tea levy, saying the charge is designed to fund industry development programmes and ultimately raise returns for tea farmers across the country. In a press statement dated May 8, 2026, TBK Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Willy Mutai said the government…

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