Kenya is intensifying initiatives to modernize its tea sector in anticipation of International Tea Day on May 21, allocating KSh 3.5 billion to implement reforms, minimize expenses, and attract younger participants to the industry.
Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) Chief Executive Officer Willy Mutai recently toured Momul Tea Factory, engaging in discussions with the factory’s leadership and inspecting a recently developed orthodox tea processing facility.
The tour sought to synchronize factory activities with the government’s wider strategy to enhance value creation within the industry.
Among the reform measures, KSh 1 billion has been allocated in the 2025/26 supplementary budget to accelerate critical developments in the field.
Momul Tea Factory has also collaborated with the Tea Research Institute to allocate eight acres of land for creating specialized, value-enhanced tea products, an initiative anticipated to boost Kenyan tea’s competitiveness in international markets.
To alleviate production expenses, authorities are seeking tax exemptions on packaging materials, which would decrease operational costs for manufacturers and result in improved earnings for growers.
The Tea Research Institute has additionally provided 10,000 premium tea seedlings for farmers connected to Momul, with these enhanced varieties forecasted to increase both harvest volumes and product excellence.
Addressing attendees during the tour, Mutai stressed that the industry’s modernization will focus on minimizing costs and maximizing benefits for agricultural producers.
“As we prepare for May 21, our priority continues to be decreasing costs and enhancing the market worth of every kilogram cultivated by Kenyan farmers,” he stated.
Complementing this year’s festivities, Kenya will also welcome the first-ever Youth Tea Festival, a program intended to engage younger individuals in the tea supply chain while fostering innovation and environmental responsibility in the field.