Kenya warns tea producers against hawking as government moves to boost quality, exports 

KENYA – Kenya’s Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has issued a stern warning to tea producers, stating they risk de-registration by the Tea Board of Kenya if found engaging in tea hawking at the Tea Trade Center. 

Kagwe made the announcement on Thursday after holding discussions with key industry stakeholders, including the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA), Independent Tea Producers (ITP), tea traders, and the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA). 

He emphasized that all tea producers must adhere to Kenya’s minimum green leaf quality standards, adding that the Ministry will soon publish official guidelines to ensure compliance. 

“The Tea Board of Kenya will de-register any stakeholders found engaging in tea hawking,” Kagwe stated, stressing that tea quality directly influences pricing and market competitiveness. 

The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving Kenya’s tea quality through targeted quality enhancement strategies. He urged producers to focus on maintaining high standards to maximize profitability. 

Additionally, Kagwe highlighted ongoing efforts to expand Kenya’s tea exports, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).  

He noted that diplomatic channels would be explored to resolve market access challenges in Iran and Sudan. 

In February, Kenya hosted a delegation of Asian coffee buyers during the Africa Coffee Trade Fair 2025, bringing together over 50 importers from China and South Korea for discussions with local producers.  

The initiative aimed to promote Kenya’s coffee as a premium product in Asia’s specialty coffee sector. 

Kagwe also revealed that the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) is working on opening Kenya’s tea auction system to global buyers and consumers, a move expected to enhance transparency and competitiveness in the sector. 

Common Tea Market Development Fund 

To further support the industry, the government plans to establish a Common Tea Market Development Fund, financed through a proposed tea levy. The fund will focus on marketing and expanding Kenya’s tea industry. 

“We have new regulations, and next week I might be gazetting them. Among them is the introduction of a Common Tea Marketing Development Fund to assist in marketing and sector development,” Kagwe announced. 

The Ministry has also proposed the formation of an Agricultural Police Unit to protect farmers and curb illegal activities affecting the industry. 

Kenya’s tea industry has shown significant growth, with exports rising by 9% in 2024 to Kes 215.21 billion, up from Kes 196.7 billion in 2023.  

Tea production also increased from 570 million kilograms in 2023 to 598 million kilograms in 2024. 

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