Kithure Kindiki Highlights Government Support for Tea Sector Amid Increased Production and Export Earnings

  Deputy President Kithure Kindiki today commended the government’s efforts to bolster Kenya’s tea sector, announcing impressive growth in both production and export earnings as a result of strategic interventions aimed at supporting farmers and expanding international markets.
During a briefing meeting on tea reforms, attended by relevant government officials, leadership from concerned agencies, and other key stakeholders, Kindiki detailed the government’s initiatives to improve tea production, including the provision of subsidized fertilizer, establishment of common user facilities for value addition, and efforts to explore new markets for Kenyan tea.
“These strategic measures, coupled with favorable weather conditions and a stronger Kenyan shilling, have yielded remarkable results. Tea production in Kenya increased significantly from 445 million kilos in 2022 to 558 million kilos in 2023, and it is expected to reach 600 million kilos in 2024,” said Deputy President Kindiki.
The positive trend in tea production has been accompanied by a substantial rise in export earnings. “In 2022, Kenya earned 138 billion shillings from tea exports. By 2023, this figure had grown to 181 billion shillings, and in 2024, we are projecting earnings of 211 billion shillings,” Kindiki added.
The Deputy President emphasized the importance of these gains not only for the tea sector but also for the overall economy, as tea remains one of Kenya’s top export commodities. He assured stakeholders that the government will continue to work closely with the private sector to open up new export markets, which is expected to further strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading global tea exporter.
“Through these reforms and collaborations, we are not only securing the future of tea farming in Kenya but also creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. We are committed to ensuring that Kenyan tea remains competitive and continues to thrive in international markets,” said Kindiki.
The meeting also focused on proposed approaches for improving market access and addressing challenges faced by tea farmers. Deputy President Kindiki reiterated that the government will keep engaging with all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and profitability of the tea industry for years to come.  Read More