Willy Mutai - Sacco Review | The Leading Newspaper for Co-operative Movement in Kenya

Ruto launches Chelimo Special Economic Zone in Kericho

Sacco ReviewSeptember 13, 2026September 13, 202603 mins

Ruto launches Chelimo Special Economic Zone in Kericho. The SEZ is expected to boost tea processing, value addition and manufacturing. The project is projected to create more than 10,000 jobs for youth. Tea Board of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Willy Mutai joined President William Ruto on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as the Head of State…

Kericho farmers urge Tea Board of Kenya to scrap new 0.8pc Tea Levy

Sacco ReviewJuly 7, 202604 mins

Tea farmers in Kericho County have called for the immediate withdrawal of a newly introduced 0.8 per cent tea levy, saying the charge will deprive earnings further at a time when they are already grappling with poor returns and mounting production costs. Speaking during the 104th Ushirika Day celebrations held at Kericho Primary School, the…

Gov’t pushes tea value addition as legislative setbacks stall reform agenda

Sacco ReviewJune 10, 202604 mins

The government is intensifying efforts to shift the tea industry from bulk exports of raw produce to higher‑value processed and branded products, even as political and legislative hurdles threaten to slow the pace of reform. Speaking at the China‑Africa Forum on Agritech and Industrial Cooperation in Nairobi, Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) Chief Executive Officer…

Tea industry in turmoil as levy triggers market collapse and unsold stock

Sacco ReviewJune 9, 202604 mins

Panic has gripped Kenya’s tea sector following the implementation of a Sh2.28 per kilogram levy at the Mombasa Tea Auction, with farmers and factories warning of reduced bonuses and mounting unsold stock. Producers in the Mt Kenya region say the levy has disrupted the market, forcing buyers to shift to cheaper alternatives from Burundi, Rwanda,…

Kagwe defends 0.8 % tea export levy, says measure will protect farmers and expand markets

Sacco ReviewMay 14, 202606 mins

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned against attempts to roll back the newly introduced 0.8 per cent tea export levy, insisting the charge is vital to finance marketing, research, and value‑addition programmes aimed at revitalising Kenya’s tea industry. Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, Kagwe defended the Tea Levy…

Pakistan tea importers protest Kenya’s new export levy, warn of rising costs

Sacco ReviewMay 9, 202604 mins

Kenya’s largest tea export market, Pakistan, has formally protested the newly introduced 0.8 per cent export levy on tea, warning that the measure will raise import costs and strain an already fragile market. In a letter addressed to the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) Chief Executive Officer Willy Mutai, the Pakistan Tea Association (PTA) urged…

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

Sacco ReviewMay 8, 202608 mins

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…