During the Tea Industry Performance Report conference, Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Chairman Mr. Geoffrey Chege Kirundi emphasized the critical need for transparency and collaboration within the tea sector. Addressing stakeholders in Mombasa, Mr. Kirundi highlighted that these principles are essential to empower farmers, enhance productivity, and elevate the value of Kenyan tea in both local and international markets.
“By fostering an environment of openness and working together, we can ensure that our farmers receive their rightful share of the global tea market’s benefits,” Mr. Kirundi stated. He reiterated KTDA’s commitment to a “Farmers First” approach, recognizing tea farming as a vital source of livelihood for numerous households across the country.
The conference also addressed the importance of value addition in the tea industry. The Kenyan government has introduced incentives to promote local value addition, aiming to unlock the full potential of Kenyan tea in the global market. These incentives include the removal of VAT on tea purchased for value addition and subsequent export, as well as encouraging factories to diversify production into specialty teas, which command higher prices at auctions.Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the government’s support for the industry’s growth. He noted that collaborative efforts between the government, agencies like KTDA, and the farmers themselves are pivotal in driving the sector forward.
The call for transparency and collaboration aligns with broader initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Africa. For instance, the Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP), established in 1997, works with tea producers and companies to improve the sustainability of the tea industry. The ETP focuses on enhancing social and environmental conditions in tea production, operating in major tea-producing regions, including Kenya.
The conference concluded with a consensus on the need for continuous dialogue among all stakeholders to address challenges and harness opportunities within the tea sector. Such collaborative efforts are expected to lead to increased earnings for farmers and a more competitive position for Kenyan tea in the global market.