Kagwe calls for urgent reforms to strengthen Kenya’s tea sector amid global uncertainty
Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe (center) with KTDA Holdings chairman Enos Njeru (right) and his vice chairman Samson Mosonik yesterday after a consultative meeting with industry stakeholders. Photo/Courtesy.
By WMW
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has urged called for urgent reforms in Kenya’s tea industry to shield it from global shocks, highlighting the ripple effects of the ongoing Gulf conflict on exports as a warning sign for diversification and market consolidation.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with KTDA Holdings Limited and the Tea Board of Kenya officials, Kagwe emphasized that overreliance on traditional markets exposes farmers to unnecessary risks.
He called for deeper trade engagement and expansion into emerging and existing markets, particularly China, to secure the sector’s long-term stability.
The CS outlined plans for an upcoming trade mission to the United Kingdom, one of Kenya’s largest tea markets.
He noted that engagement with key industry players, including Lipton and UK-based tea buying firms operating locally, will be crucial in protecting the interests of both smallholder and large-scale tea farmers.
Highlighting challenges in pricing and market consistency, Kagwe called for fair and sustainable payment frameworks for farmers, pointing out that inconsistent purchase volumes by international buyers undermine sector stability.
He also stressed the need for more flexible sustainability certification standards, particularly the Rainforest Alliance framework.
Currently, only about eight per cent of tea exports go to the UK, yet certification requirements apply to nearly 100 per cent of production, creating unnecessary burdens for farmers.
On value addition, the CS advocated for strengthening Kenya’s tea identity through geographical indications, branding, and packaging. He urged a shift away from exporting bulk tea that is repackaged under foreign brands.
Instead, Kenya should prioritize exporting finished, branded products, a strategy that would retain value locally, generate employment for youth, and elevate the country’s standing in the global tea market.
During the meeting, stakeholders welcomed the new leadership at KTDA, with Enos Njeru as Chairperson and Samson Mosonik as Vice Chairperson.
Kagwe expressed confidence that the duo would drive meaningful reforms and strengthen sector governance.
The discussion was later joined by Kenya’s newly appointed High Commissioner to the UK, Maurice Makoloo, who reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering Kenya’s tea presence in the British market.
He highlighted that the London mission would promote Kenyan tea as a distinct global brand while forging strong trade partnerships.
Kagwe concluded that with strategic market diversification, strengthened branding, fair pricing, and value addition, Kenya’s tea industry can remain resilient, safeguard farmers’ livelihoods, and compete effectively on the international stage.
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