By WMW
The Government has intensified calls for value addition in the tea sector, with Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe urging Parliament to enact sweeping laws banning the export of raw agricultural produce in a move aimed at creating jobs, increasing farmer earnings and strengthening Kenya’s position in global markets.
Speaking during the International Tea Day celebrations held at Momul Tea Factory in Kericho County, Kagwe said Kenya must shift from exporting raw commodities to processing and branding products locally in order to maximize economic returns from agriculture.
The CS said value addition within the tea sector would not only improve farmer incomes but also create millions of employment opportunities for young people through manufacturing, packaging, marketing, logistics and agribusiness innovation.
“We must increasingly move towards orthodox teas, specialty teas, green teas, purple teas, herbal blends, branded consumer packs, tea bags and other innovative tea products that attract premium prices in international markets,” Kagwe said.
He noted that Kenya’s continued overreliance on black CTC tea and a limited number of export markets had exposed the industry to price volatility and external market shocks, underscoring the need for diversification and modernization.
The celebrations held under the theme “Fostering Growth and Inclusion,” brought together the sector stakeholders who included farmers, factory directors, traders, regulators, machinery suppliers, researchers, development partners and government officials.
He said the tea sector remains one of Kenya’s most strategic agricultural industries, supporting millions of livelihoods directly and indirectly through farming, manufacturing, transport and trade. Kenya remains the world’s leading exporter of black CTC tea, with its products enjoying strong international recognition due to quality, flavour and consistency.
However, Kagwe acknowledged that the industry continues to face major challenges, including declining global tea prices, rising production costs, climate change, sustainability requirements, geopolitical disruptions affecting trade and the high cost of value addition.
“These realities call upon us to embrace innovation, diversification, strategic reforms and stronger collaboration across the entire tea value chain,” he said.
The CS also defended the Tea Levy Regulations 2026, saying the levy is intended to support critical sector functions such as marketing, branding, research, innovation, traceability systems, sustainability compliance and global promotion of Kenya tea.
“The Government assures all stakeholders that this initiative is not intended to impose unnecessary burdens on farmers or businesses, but rather to strategically reinvest in the growth, protection and competitiveness of the tea sector,” he said.
Kagwe warned factory directors against frustrating reforms through endless court battles and accused some leaders within the sector of reckless borrowing and misuse of farmers’ resources.
At the same time, he called on Kenyan families to allow young people greater access to land and agribusiness opportunities, saying the future of agriculture depends on attracting youth through innovation, investment and modern farming practices.
The Government, he added, is aligning tea sector reforms with President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda through increased farmer earnings, agro-industrialization, climate-smart agriculture and export expansion into markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America.
Climate change also featured prominently during the celebrations, with Kagwe emphasizing the need for environmental conservation, water management, renewable energy adoption and sustainable land-use practices in tea-growing areas.
Tea Board of Kenya officials led by CEO Willy Mutai said the celebrations highlighted Kenya’s growing focus on innovation, sustainability and market competitiveness.
Mutai noted that the sector remains a major driver of livelihoods, rural development and foreign exchange earnings, adding that the board remains committed to positioning Kenyan tea as a premium global brand.
KTDA Holdings Chairman Enos Njeru described tea as more than just a commercial crop, saying it remains a lifeline for millions of Kenyan families.
“Tea is not just a business to our farmers. It is school fees. It is healthcare. It is food on the table. It is dignity. It is hope for the next generation,” Njeru said.
He praised farmers, factory directors, employees and stakeholders for sustaining Kenya’s global reputation as a producer of high-quality tea.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot who also attended the event commended KTDA for ensuring prompt green leaf payments to farmers, noting that reliable monthly earnings had significantly improved farmers’ confidence in the sector.
“Receiving earnings reliably by the 5th of every month marks a significant milestone for our farmers. We have come a long way, and the future looks even brighter,” Cheruiyot said.
The event was also attended by Principal Secretary for Agriculture Kipronoh Ronoh, KTDA Acting CEO Francis Miano, TBK chairman Ndung’u Gathinji, KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari as well board members and directors of KTDA, TBK and other affiliated organizations.
As Kenya marked International Tea Day 2026, leaders across the sector emphasized that the future of tea lies in reforms, innovation, sustainability and value addition aimed at securing better returns for farmers and sustaining the country’s global leadership in tea production and trade.
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Suleiman Mbatiah