Production and exportation of orthodox tea by Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) factories will see farmers’ earnings increase by a big margin, the agency’s chair Chege Kirundi says.

Speaking when he met tea factory directors in Murang’a last week, Kirundi noted that with the launching of orthodox tea auction in Mombasa last Thursday, factories that are already producing orthodox tea products are expecting to pay high prices for farmers’ green leaf.

Kirundi affirmed that KTDA allied factories have a capacity to produce 10 million kilogrammes of quality orthodox tea annually. He observed that in 2024, about 7.5 million kilogrammes of orthodox tea was produced in the country and about five million kilogrammes was exported.

Currently, he noted 13 of its managed factories are producing both black and green Orthodox teas adding more factories in the pipeline to start producing the specialty tea products.

The chairman said production of orthodox tea saying it is a game-changer for the industry, as this premium product consistently commands higher prices in the global market. He further noted that this strategic move is a key response to market volatility, providing a way to diversify product offerings, reduce risk and unlock more stable markets.

“Orthodox tea requires no additional investment from farmers, directly translating to better earnings and strengthening Kenya’s position in the international tea trade,” he stated.

Kirundi lauded the government among other stakeholders for the establishment of orthodox tea auction saying the vital trading platform will boost farmers’ income.

“This initiative is a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared vision of elevating Kenya’s tea industry to new heights,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kirundi noted KTDA has finalised the process of importation of fertiliser for tea farmers saying once the consignment lands in the country, it will be distrusted to tea factories.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Bernard Munyao