KENYA TEA FACTORIES TOLD TO REJECT POOR-QUALITY LEAF AS KSh 7.1 BILLION MODERNISATION DRIVE BEGINS

NAIROBI, KENYA — Kenya’s tea sector is placing renewed emphasis on green-leaf quality as the Government rolls out a KSh 7.1 billion programme to modernise tea factories.

Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Sen. Mutahi Kagwe has directed tea factories to reject green leaf that does not meet the recommended “two leaves and a bud” standard, arguing that investments in modern processing equipment must be matched by better-quality raw material.

Speaking during a visit to Kapsara Tea Factory, where he handed over KSh 44.6 million for the installation of a new withering plant, Kagwe said processing poor-quality leaf alongside good-quality leaf ultimately reduces the value of tea and affects farmer earnings.

“If we have agreed that quality tea is two leaves and a bud, then that is what must come to the factory,” Kagwe said.

The CS said the Government’s modernisation programme is intended to replace ageing machinery, improve energy efficiency, reduce processing costs and support the production of higher-value orthodox, specialty and value-added teas.

He pointed to Momul Tea Factory as an example of the potential gains from improving green-leaf quality, saying the factory had increased the value of its tea from about US$2 to more than US$3 per kilogramme.

Kagwe said the focus on quality should not be viewed as a punishment for farmers but as part of a broader effort to increase the international value of Kenyan tea and improve returns to growers.

At Kapsara, the KSh 44.6 million allocation will finance a new withering plant to replace ageing equipment that consumes significant amounts of electricity.

The CS also called for greater diversification of Kenya’s tea export markets, saying the sector must strengthen traditional markets while developing new buyers for orthodox, specialty and value-added teas.

He further defended the tea levy, dismissing opposition to the charge and arguing that funds raised through the levy would support areas including price stabilisation, research, infrastructure, marketing, quality improvement, value addition and market development.

Sen. Allan Chesang welcomed the Government’s efforts to transform the sector, highlighting improved road infrastructure in tea-growing areas as another measure aimed at supporting the movement of green leaf from farms to factories.

Kagwe directed Kapsara Tea Factory management to ensure the KSh 44.6 million allocation is used strictly for its intended purpose. He also said farmer training and extension services would continue as the Government seeks to build a stronger culture of quality across Kenya’s tea industry.

The modernisation drive comes as Kenya seeks to move beyond traditional bulk tea exports and capture greater value from one of its most important agricultural commodities.

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