Kenya’s tea sector has registered export profits of Sh180.57 billion for the year 2023, a significant rise over prior years. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua praised the industry’s excellent achievement, with tea output hitting a record high of 570 million kgs, citing favorable weather conditions and the government’s strategic measures.

Speaking at the launch of the 2023 tea industry performance results, Gachagua emphasized the pivotal role of government interventions, including the distribution of subsidized fertilizers through the Government’s fertilizer subsidy program. He stated, “Production was also boosted by the application of fertilizer through the Government fertilizer subsidy program to improve agricultural productivity.”

Furthermore, Gachagua outlined plans to enhance value addition and diversification in the tea sector, aiming to increase the value of tea exports and improve earnings for smallholder tea farmers. The government’s commitment to implementing reforms to boost competitiveness and address production challenges was underscored to sustain this positive trajectory.

With a significant increase in tea export volume and a focus on value addition, Kenya’s tea industry is poised for further growth and economic prosperity.