Kenya inaugurates Lipton Innovation and Technology Academy to elevate tea sector 

KENYA – Kenya has inaugurated the Lipton Innovation and Technology Academy, a pivotal initiative aimed at providing training to tea-growing farmers to enhance their earnings.  

The Academy, located at Kabianga University in Belgut constituency, Kericho county, is a collaborative effort between Kenya and Lipton Teas and Infusions, a Rotterdam-based American-British firm specializing in tea and herbal drinks production. 

Kenya’s President William Ruto, speaking at the launch, highlighted the objective of this collaboration to improve the quality of Kenya’s tea production.  

Ruto emphasized the need for a shift from quantity to quality, expressing the need to use scientific empirical evidence to guide farmers towards cultivating tea varieties that yield better prices. 

“It is time to use scientific empirical evidence to tell farmers which kind of tea will give them the best prices. For a very long time, we concentrated on quantity, and this led to too much supply which resulted in low prices; it is time to focus on quality,” President Ruto explained. 

The Academy’s mission is to transform the tea sector through training, research, innovation, and extension services.  

The goal is to ensure that Kenya produces high-quality tea and tea products through the adoption of advanced technologies, including IoTea for enhanced traceability, improved quality, operational efficiency, reduced waste and carbon footprint, and minimized use of agrochemicals. 

Nathalie Roos, CEO of Lipton Teas and Infusions, underscored the importance of innovation in adapting to market changes within the tea sector.  

Roos, while addressing challenges such as climate change and evolving consumer preferences, she emphasized the academy’s role in preparing the next generation of tea farmers, innovators, researchers, and leaders. 

“In the face of climate change, global market trends, and change in consumer tastes, our ability to innovate will determine our future success,” Roos remarked.  

She stressed the need for essential training to equip individuals to face challenges in tea production and processing. 

The Lipton Innovation and Technology Academy will serve as both a specialized training center for the entire tea value chain and a hub for technological and innovation activities, fostering occupational diversification opportunities and economic empowerment outreach programs, particularly for smallholder tea farmers.

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