KENYA – The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) is considering the implementation of minimum quality standards for all its teas as part of an effort to enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan tea in the global market.
The move is aimed at ensuring that Kenyan tea remains a top choice for consumers worldwide.
Speaking during the induction of over 300 newly elected KTDA Directors from 24 tea-producing counties, KTDA National Chairman Enos Njeru emphasized the importance of quality in tea production.
He urged farmers to focus on plucking the best quality tea leaves, noting that the high volume of unsold tea has been exacerbated by poor quality, the hawking of tea, and the use of machinery for harvesting.
Njeru also highlighted that the abolishment of Direct Overseas Sales (DSO) has negatively impacted tea stocks.
“Farmers who concentrate on quality rather than quantity are enjoying better results from the sales of their products,” Njeru said.
“We want to speak with one voice, set a minimum standard quality that will be acceptable to KTDA so that we treat all farmers equally and fairly, and sell our tea in a way that generates better revenue.”
To address the issue of overstocking, KTDA plans to diversify its product range, reducing reliance on bulk black CTC tea and offering a wider variety of products to meet different market preferences.
This strategy is expected to decrease the volume of unsold tea stored in KTDA warehouses.
Njeru also noted that favorable weather conditions and abundant rainfall have led to a significant increase in tea production.
According to the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), tea output rose by 17 percent to 321.09 million kilograms in the first half of 2024, compared to 273.64 million kilograms during the same period in 2023.
In addition to the quality initiatives, plans are underway to establish a common user facility in Nairobi’s Industrial Area. The facility will facilitate value addition and help reduce transportation costs for farmers.
Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai stressed the importance of meeting the leaf quality standard of “two leaves and a bud.”
He assured farmers that the government is committed to supporting the sector, noting that a budget of KES1 billion (US$7.76M) has been allocated to modernize equipment at KTDA’s tea packing hub at KETEPA.
Mutai also announced that the government has reintroduced Direct Overseas Sales (DSO) and is working with KTDA to remove DSO from the Tea Act, allowing farmers to conduct direct sales at their respective factories.
Additionally, the KTDA revealed the government has set aside KES10 billion (US$77.63M) to support farmers, including tea farmers, with subsidized fertilizers.
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