NAIROBI, Kenya – It is now emerging that Kenya has seen a steady increase in its tea production in the last two years.
According to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Kenya’s tea production increased from 445 million kilos in 2022 to 558 million kilos in 2023 and 600 million kilos in 2024.
“Export earnings rose from Sh138 billion in 2022 to Sh181 billion in 2023 and to Sh211 billion in 2024,” DP Kindiki said.
DP Kindiki attributed the increased tea production in the country to favourable weather and a stronger currency- the shilling.
“The government is supporting tea production by providing subsidised fertiliser, establishing common user facilities for value addition, and exploring new markets,” explained the DP.
Why the Kenyan government is investing in the tea sector
The second in command spoke on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, when he held a briefing meeting on tea reforms and input on proposed approaches to opening new export markets for Kenyan tea.
Relevant Government officials and leadership of concerned agencies and other stakeholders were present.
https://twitter.com/KindikiKithure/status/1876883102137450947
Earlier, DP Kindiki announced that the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration would spend Sh 2 billion to support the distribution of 97,000 metric tonnes of subsidised fertiliser to tea farmers.
According to DP Kindiki, in the last two years, the Government has made over 180,000 metric tonnes of subsidised fertiliser available, which farmers can access at Sh 2,500 per 50kg bag.
“600 million kilograms of tea is produced in our country every year, and this production will be further enhanced through strategic policy and administrative interventions, including the provision of subsidised fertiliser, to ensure that all stakeholders, and particularly the farmers, receive value from their hard work,” said Kindiki.
How the subsidised fertiliser distribution has been improved
The Kenyan Government has aimed to improve fertiliser distribution through various mechanisms.
In 2022, it shifted from an e-voucher system to a more centralised distribution via the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) due to issues associated with e-vouchers.
However, this change also raised concerns about potential corruption and rent-seeking behaviours within the subsidy program.
Under a government-to-government arrangement, the Kenya Farmers Association (KFA), among others, handles subsidised fertilisers to streamline distribution.
Kenyan tea is ranked top globally due to its quality, bold flavour, and consistency. It generates nearly 200 billion in foreign exchange earnings annually and accounts for 2% of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
