Tea Board of Kenya

20/10/2026

DIVERSIFICATION, SPECIALTY TEAS AND VALUE ADDITION FOR NEW MARKETS.

The Tea Board of Kenya, leading a delegation of Kenyan tea industry players, held discussions with J. Fr. Scheibler, a German tea trading company involved in tea and botanical imports, blending, packaging, warehousing and exports.

The delegation included representatives from KTDA, Siomo, Kiptagich, Kiriti, Mizaj Africa, Evergreen, Afro-Asian and Kipchimchim, with discussions focusing on opportunities to strengthen Kenya’s presence in Germany and the wider European market.

The engagement highlighted Kenya’s potential to grow tea exports by diversifying beyond conventional black tea into orthodox, specialty and flavoured teas, as well as ready-to-drink iced tea products. Increasing orthodox tea production is particularly important for meeting the needs of specialty tea markets and manufacturers of iced tea.

Discussions also explored opportunities for Kenya to supply botanical ingredients such as peppermint, mint and lemongrass, while emphasising the importance of meeting European requirements on pesticide residues, contaminants and product quality.

With Hamburg serving as a major entry and transit hub for tea entering Europe, stronger trade partnerships, product diversification and market-specific packaging could help Kenyan producers access new buyers and premium market segments.

20/10/2026

Happy Mashujaa Day

20/10/2026

OPENING NEW DOORS FOR KENYAN TEA IN GERMANY.

The Tea Board of Kenya and the Kenyan tea industry delegation held discussions with the German Tea & Herbal Infusions Association (TEE) to explore opportunities for strengthening trade ties and expanding Kenya’s tea exports to Germany.

The engagement brought together industry players to discuss market access, consumer preferences, product innovation and strategies to raise awareness of Kenya as a source of high-quality tea in the German market.

With Germany importing approximately 48,000 tonnes of tea annually, the discussions focused on growing Kenya’s exports from the current 2.3 million kilograms to over 10 million kilograms by 2030. Business-to-business meetings between Kenyan tea companies and German importers provided an opportunity to build partnerships and explore new market opportunities.

The discussions also highlighted the need to develop innovative tea products that appeal to younger consumers, adapt packaging to German and European Union market preferences, and strengthen collaboration through digital platforms and initiatives such as International Tea Day.

17/10/2026

THE MASHUJAA THEMATIC WEEK EXPO IS STILL ON!

The Tea Board of Kenya continues to engage stakeholders and showcase the richness of Kenya’s tea industry at the Mashujaa Thematic Week Expo at The Eldoret National Polytechnic in Uasin Gishu County.

Our stand brings together the story, quality and diversity of Kenyan tea, with tea sector players including Sireet OEP, Chebut Tea Factory, KETEPA and Kaptumo Tea Factory showcasing their products.

Come through, meet the tea producers, sample different Kenyan teas, discover new products and learn more about the work TBK is doing to promote and grow the industry.

The expo is still ongoing! Bring a friend, stop by our stand and experience the taste of Kenyan tea for yourself. We look forward to engaging with you!

16/10/2026

FROM BULK TEA EXPORTS TO PREMIUM KENYAN BRANDS.

Tea Board of Kenya CEO W***y K Mutai today joined Commissioner Land Commission Vincent Kigen amd other stakeholders at the official launch of the Sotik Fresh Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bomet County, an initiative that presents new opportunities for investment, local processing and value addition within Kenya’s tea industry.

With Sotik’s long history in tea production and the South Rift’s significant contribution to Kenya’s tea output, the Zone offers an opportunity to rethink how Kenyan tea reaches global markets. Rather than relying heavily on bulk exports, Kenya can expand local tea processing, blending, packaging and branding to capture greater value from every kilogram produced.

The focus is on growing the market for Kenyan-branded orthodox, green, purple and specialty teas, packaged as Made in Kenya products for premium international markets.

Sotik has a rich tea-growing heritage spanning more than 75 years. Alongside its tea operations, Sotik Group is expanding its blueberry production and investing in packhouse and cold-chain infrastructure, while also working with avocado outgrowers to improve market access and product quality.

TBK remains committed to working with investors and industry stakeholders to facilitate growth in tea value addition, strengthen traceability and sustainability, and expand market access for Kenyan tea.

The vision is to process more locally, build stronger Kenyan tea brands and ensure greater value flows back to the farmer.

16/10/2026

Tea farmer returns are the story behind the numbers.

Swipe through the series for the latest figures on payments, production and sector performance:

* KTDA’s 2026 grand average payment rose to KSh59.75 per kg, UP 3.66% compared with 2025 and UP 19.07% compared with 2022.

* Tea export earnings stood at KSh186.9 billion in 2025.

These figures reflect the scale of the tea industry and the importance of keeping farmer returns, quality, productivity and market access at the centre of the conversation.

All estimate-based figures are clearly identified as estimates. Sources include KTDA payment data, the Tea Performance Report presented at the Presidential Townhall, and Daily Nation coverage dated 12 October 2026.

15/10/2026

TBK SHOWCASES KENYAN TEA AT MASHUJAA THEMATIC WEEK EXPO

The Tea Board of Kenya is engaging stakeholders and showcasing its mandate at the Mashujaa Thematic Week Expo, taking place at The Eldoret National Polytechnic in Uasin Gishu County.

Visitors can explore the diversity of Kenyan tea, learn more about TBK’s role in regulating and promoting the tea industry, and discover opportunities in value addition and market expansion.

Tea sector stakeholders, including Sireet OEP, Chebut Tea Factory, KETEPA and Kaptumo Tea Factory, are also exhibiting their products.

The expo is ongoing until Sunday! Visit the TBK stand, meet the tea producers, sample their products and experience the taste of Kenyan tea for yourself. Come engage with us and celebrate the people and industry behind every cup!

15/10/2026

The Global Trade & Investment

Today, the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) CEO, Mr. W***y Mutai, hosted Mr. Lawrence Lelei Kiptoo, the outgoing Commercial Attaché at the Consulate General of Kenya in Dubai, who paid a courtesy call at our headquarters.

Mr. Lelei has successfully completed his distinguished 4-year assignment in Dubai, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the footprint of premium Kenyan tea across the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf region.

As we bid him a warm welcome back home, the strategic discussions focused on capitalizing on upcoming global food and beverage platforms to further position Kenya’s black tea as a premier global brand. Key among the agenda items were preparations for the highly anticipated inaugural Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya, scheduled to debut in Nairobi in May 2027, which will anchor Kenya as Africa's primary food trade gateway.

The meeting also explored strategic leverage points for the annual Global Food Week—held every October—to consistently drive value addition, unlock new export pipelines, and secure lucrative market shares for Kenyan tea growers.
The Tea Board of Kenya remains deeply committed to collaborating with our trade missions and global stakeholders to guarantee that the hard work of our farmers translates into premium global earnings.

Thank you, Mr. Lelei, for your dedicated service in the UAE!

15/10/2026

13/10/2026

THE FARMER MUST REMAIN AT THE CENTRE OF EVERY REFORM.

Tea Board of Kenya CEO Mr. W***y K. Mutai, alongside other TBK officials, today joined the Principal Secretary for Agriculture in a consultative meeting with Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) officials and tea factory directors to deliberate on reforms aimed at transforming the tea sector.

The discussions focused on strengthening accountability, enhancing transparency and promoting prudent management of resources to ensure that reforms translate into better earnings and improved livelihoods for tea farmers.

TBK remains committed to working with sector stakeholders to promote efficiency, sustainability and fairness across the tea value chain, ensuring that the interests of tea farmers remain a priority.