NAIROBI, Kenya-Kenya and Iran have established a joint committee to eliminate trade barriers within 60 days, a move aimed at lifting the ban on Kenyan tea exports to the Middle Eastern nation.
The agreement was reached during the 7th Session of the Kenya-Iran Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) in Nairobi, co-chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Gholamreza Nouri Ghezalcheh, Iran’s Minister of Agricultural Jihad.
The ban followed a criminal trade malpractice involving Nairobi-based Cup of Joe Limited.
According to investigations, the firm imported low-grade tea, blended it, and re-exported it to Iran as high-grade Kenyan tea.
This prompted Tehran to halt imports, sparking a diplomatic row.
The Tea Board of Kenya has since deregistered the company, with prosecution pending.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said both countries had agreed to tighten industry regulations.
“Kenya’s tea sector is one of our largest foreign exchange earners, and we must protect it from unscrupulous traders who damage our reputation,” said Kagwe.
“The new framework will prevent such criminal activity in future and safeguard the integrity of Kenyan tea.”
Iran is among Kenya’s top ten tea importers.
In 2024, it purchased 13 million kilogrammes worth Sh4.26 billion, according to the Tea Board of Kenya.
Pakistan remained the leading buyer, accounting for 34.7% of total export volumes valued at Sh70 billion.
Kenya’s tea reached 96 export destinations last year, up from 92 in 2023.
Other major buyers included Egypt (86.90 million kgs worth Sh23.96 billion), the UK (57.44 million kgs valued at Sh16.99 billion), UAE (30.50 million kgs worth Sh10.27 billion), Russia (28.46 million kgs worth Sh7.43 billion), India (17.13 million kgs worth Sh3.94 billion), Saudi Arabia (15.92 million kgs worth Sh6.02 billion), and Yemen (14.13 million kgs worth Sh5.52 billion).
Industry stakeholders say the Iranian ban has led to substantial losses for Kenyan tea farmers and exporters, underscoring the urgency of the talks.
The joint committee will work on restoring trust, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and resuming exports before the 60-day deadline.
