Kenya’s tea farmers could soon bypass middlemen and sell their produce directly to global buyers, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said.
The government believes this shift will raise farmer incomes and strengthen Kenya’s tea industry.
While addressing attendees at the International Tea Celebrations in Nyeri County, Kagwe shared updates on the reforms.
"I am also happy to report that, shortly through reforms being spearheaded by my Ministry; we will soon be allowing tea factories to sell their teas directly into the international markets without intermediaries," Kagwe stated.
"This strategy will augment Government of Kenya Marketing efforts, therefore translate to increased earnings to our tea farmers.”
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According to figures from the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), the majority of Kenya’s tea — over 60 per cent — is currently sold through monthly auctions.
In January, the country produced 54.4 million kilograms of tea, with 33.4 million kilograms moving through the auction system.
Looking ahead, the government plans to roll out an orthodox tea auction platform under the Integrated Tea Trading System (ITTS) in June, working alongside the East African Tea Association (EATTA) and TBK.
Kagwe explained, “The orthodox tea auction will set the stage for a reliable distribution outlet that is expected to enhance renewed impetus to sustainable product diversification from Cut, Tear and Curl i.e. (CTC teas) to orthodox teas.”
Kenya is also targeting new overseas markets as part of its diversification strategy, including the Far East, Middle East, China, Russia, and India.
TBK data shows that by January this year, Kenya’s tea had reached 61 export destinations, up from 58 over the same period last year.
The reforms aim to open fresh opportunities for farmers and position Kenya more firmly in the global tea trade.
Farmers and stakeholders now await the rollout, hopeful that direct international sales will bring improved returns and long-term stability.
