Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mutai Kagwe at State House during the KTDA meeting, September 11, 2025.Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has urged the establishment of a sustainable funding model for Kenya’s tea sector and called for the elimination of tea hawking, warning it undermines both quality and reputation.
Speaking during a Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) meeting at State House on Friday, September 11, Kagwe stressed the need for a reliable, long-term mechanism to finance tea research and development.
“For years, the sector has depended almost entirely on allocations from the exchequer, which are often delayed or insufficient,” he said.
“Sometimes, there are delays or the exchequer amounts are not forthcoming. As a result, through Parliament, we want to finalise regulations regarding the funding of tea research and other related activities.”
He noted that Parliament is finalising new regulations under the Tea Act to provide a more stable financial base.
The proposed changes will introduce small levies within the industry to support research and development, thereby reducing reliance on government allocations.
The CS further underscored the urgency of protecting Kenya’s reputation as a top producer of high-quality tea.
He singled out tea hawking as a major threat, arguing that the unregulated trade compromises quality standards and risks damaging Kenya’s credibility in global markets.
“Your Excellency, this hawking business must come to an end. That is the only way we can ensure the quality of Kenyan tea remains recognised across the world,” Kagwe said.
He revealed that during a recent visit to the United States, buyers praised the quality of Kenyan tea but raised concerns about reports of hawking in the country.
Kagwe urged stakeholders to back reforms aimed at professionalising the sector and safeguarding Kenya’s standing in the international tea market.
