Kenya’s tea exports surge 20.8% in 2024, boosted by increased global demand 

KENYA – Kenya’s tea export volumes have experienced a significant increase, rising by 20.8 percent in the first ten months of 2024, according to the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK).  

The surge in exports, which reached 500.8 million kilograms, up from 414.5 million kilograms during the same period in 2023, was driven by heightened demand from key global markets. 

The increased export volumes resulted in higher earnings, with Kenya earning Kes 155 billion (US$1.19 billion) in export revenue, a notable rise from US$1.09 billion recorded in the same period in 2023.  

The TBK attributed the growth in earnings to both the higher export volumes and a stable exchange rate. 

With an average of US$199 million in monthly earnings from tea exports, Kenya’s earnings in 2024 are expected to exceed the US$1.39 billion achieved in 2023.  

The tea sector has continued to benefit from favourable weather conditions, which also contributed to a 7 percent increase in domestic tea production in 2024. 

Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russia, and Sudan remained the leading markets for Kenyan tea during this period.  

Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) highlighted that Africa still represented the largest share of Kenya’s total export earnings, accounting for 39.6 percent. 

However, there was a 5.2 percent decline in exports to key African markets, including Egypt, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan. 

Meanwhile, exports to Asia increased to Kes 79.3 billion (US$612.8 million), driven by re-exports of kerosene-type jet fuel to the UAE and exports of pigeon peas to India.  

The KNBS also reported that export earnings from the European Union slightly declined to US$293.7 million, primarily due to reduced exports of cut flowers. 

On the other hand, export revenue from the United States rose by 46.8 percent to Kes 26.2 billion (US$202.5 million), driven by increased exports of apparel and clothing accessories and re-exports of kerosene-type jet fuel. 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is currently leading discussions on tea sector reforms and strategies to expand into new export markets.  

The Kenyan government has been actively supporting the tea sector through initiatives such as subsidized fertilizer, value addition facilities, and efforts to access new international markets, which have contributed to the sector’s growth. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.