The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) is planning to implement minimum quality standards for tea to enhance its competitiveness in the global market.
KTDA National Chairman Enos Njeru emphasized the importance of plucking high-quality tea leaves, as poor quality and improper handling have contributed to an oversupply of unsold tea.
To address this issue, KTDA aims to diversify its product range, reducing overstocking and meeting diverse market preferences. The agency has also increased monthly payments to motivate farmers and is educating them on best practices for tea handling between the farm and the factory.
Njeru encouraged farmers to prioritize quality over quantity, noting that those who focus on quality have seen better sales results. He also urged unity among farmers, emphasizing that all should work together to meet the set minimum quality standards, ensuring fair treatment and better revenue generation.
Additionally, Njeru highlighted the favorable weather conditions that have led to increased tea production. He also announced plans to establish a common user facility in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, aimed at easing value addition and reducing transportation costs.
Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai noted that small-scale tea factories contribute 56% of national crop production. The government has provided KES 1 billion to modernize the tea packing hub at KETEPA and set aside KES 10 billion to support farmers with subsidized fertilizer. Mutai urged all tea suppliers to meet the required leaf quality standards to attract better prices.
