Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe with Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukamie take a test of orthodox tea during an event in Nyeri on May 2, 2025/HANDOUT
The government has announced transformative policy reforms that will allow 142 tea factories across the country to directly sell and export their tea to international markets, eliminating intermediaries and promising higher returns for farmers.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealed the move during International Tea Day celebrations at Gitugi Tea Factory in Nyeri County.
He stated that the reforms aim to enhance farmer earnings, strengthen governance in the tea sub-sector, and promote transparency in smallholder tea factories.
“Our core focus remains ensuring better returns for farmers, strengthening governance in the tea sub-sector, and promoting transparency in smallholder tea factories,” said Kagwe.
He also disclosed that the government is intensifying efforts to tap into emerging international markets.
He said he will be leading a high-level delegation alongside the Tea Board of Kenya, KTDA Holdings, the East Africa Tea Trade Association, and other stakeholders to key destinations such as China, India, Russia, and the Middle East to promote Kenya’s “Green Gold.”
“These initiatives align with Kenya’s Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy, Vision 2030, and the Tea Industry Global Marketing Strategy,” he added.
In a further boost to the sector, the CS announced the launch of an orthodox tea auction window within the Integrated Tea Trading System (ITTS) in June 2025, a milestone aimed at diversifying Kenya’s tea exports and increasing farmer incomes.
“The new auction, to be managed by EATTA in collaboration with TBK, will provide a dedicated global platform for selling Kenya’s orthodox teas, an increasingly sought-after variety in international markets,” Kagwe said.
“This approach will strengthen distribution channels and support a shift from traditional CTC teas to more sustainable and premium orthodox teas.”
Kagwe was accompanied by Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, Othaya MP Wambugu Wainana, and several other leaders.
Kagwe also held separate talks with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who also serves as Vice-Chair of the Council of Governors.
The two leaders pledged to enhance collaboration to improve farmer welfare through better consultation, coordination, and execution of sectoral initiatives.
The reforms have been welcomed by farmers and industry stakeholders, who have long decried low earnings due to dependency on brokers and fluctuating auction prices.
By enabling direct sales and diversifying export avenues, the government hopes to reposition Kenya’s tea as a premium product on the global stage.
Industry analysts note that direct market access will empower tea factories to negotiate better prices, establish long-term contracts, and build brand recognition internationally.
“This is a game changer for smallholder farmers,” said Mutai.
“It will not only improve incomes but also incentivise quality production to meet diverse international standards.”
The orthodox tea auction window, slated to launch in June, is expected to complement the traditional Mombasa Tea Auction by providing a specialised platform for orthodox teas, which have seen rising demand in markets such as the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Orthodox teas, known for their hand-crafted production and diverse flavour profiles, attract premium prices compared to conventional CTC teas.
