Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh during a past event/FILEThe government has directed the immediate cancellation of tea trading licenses belonging to a local company following allegations of irregular trade activities involving the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In a directive issued by Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh, the Tea Board of Kenya has been instructed to revoke all licenses issued to the firm and its associates, citing concerns that the activities in question have affected Kenya's tea market access in Iran.
“The Ministry is aware of trade irregularities conducted between Kenya and the Islamic Republic of Iran by a local company, which has led to the cancellation of tea trade between the two countries,” reads a letter addressed to Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai.
“Considering the magnitude of this case, which has led to major losses on market access for Kenyan tea in Iran, we are directing that your institution cancel with immediate effect tea trade licenses for the local company and its associates.”
The move comes in the wake of diplomatic and trade tensions after Iran reportedly halted its tea imports from Kenya, citing contractual and compliance issues linked to the company.
According to the Principal Secretary, the government’s decision is part of broader efforts to restore order and accountability in tea trading.
He stated that the alleged irregular tea trading activities in Iran involving the firm had negatively affected Kenya’s tea exports to that market.
Iran and Oman are among Kenya's key destinations for tea exports.
"We have taken this serious direction to bring order to the tea sector. This is among the many reforms we are undertaking in the tea sector," said Ronoh.
The communication was also copied to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and East African Tea Trade Association Managing Director George Omuga.
The company in question is a Kenyan-based tea trader that has, in recent years, positioned itself as a notable player in the country’s tea export market.
The firm sources various premium teas, including both CTC and orthodox varieties, directly from Kenyan estates, and has participated in the Mombasa Tea Auction.
Its product portfolio includes popular grades such as BP1, PF1, Dust, and Orthodox OP1, with some of its teas marketed as organic and halal certified.
The company has described itself as a modern, quality-focused exporter with international buyers. It holds several industry-standard certifications, including ISO 22000, HACCP, and GMP, indicating compliance with food safety and trade standards.
In recent years, the firm has expanded its international visibility by participating in trade fairs and forums such as the Engage Trade Africa summit in Cape Town. It has also taken part in corporate events and branding efforts aimed at promoting Kenyan tea abroad.
