Kenya has urged international buyers and investors to package tea at source, a strategy the government says will reduce costs and deliver higher value for both producers and consumers.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe made the call during the North America Tea Conference in South Carolina, where he also announced the removal of taxes on packaging materials for agricultural exports.

He explained that the decision allows Kenyan exporters to present teas in formats that meet global retail standards, while ensuring quality and better returns to farmers.

In his remarks, he emphasised the benefit of processing tea in Kenya.

“By packaging at origin, we eliminate unnecessary costs, improve competitiveness, and strengthen Kenya’s position in the global tea market,” Kagwe stated.

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Kagwe attended the forum alongside Tea Board of Kenya Chief Executive Willy Mutai, KTDA Holdings Limited Chairperson Geoffrey Kirundi, KTDA Chief Executive Wilson Muthaura, and Kenya’s ambassador to the United States David Kerich.

Their joint presence was presented as a show of unity in efforts to secure Kenya’s place in international tea markets.

The CS also highlighted the country’s growth in output, noting that Kenya produced 598.47 million kilos of tea in 2024, representing a 4.95 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

He explained that favourable weather conditions, subsidised fertiliser schemes, and expanded processing facilities had all contributed to the rise.

The government hopes that by shifting from bulk shipments to fully packaged, shelf-ready teas, Kenya will not only secure better prices globally but also strengthen the livelihoods of the smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the sector.