Kenya tea exports jump 22% in October 2025, farmers face climate pressures and market disruptions 

KENYA – Kenya’s tea exports rose sharply in October 2025, increasing by 22.12% to 53.28 million kilogrammes, up from 43.63 million kg in the same month last year and higher than September’s 48.81 million kg.  

The rebound reflects stronger overseas demand, according to the Tea Industry Performance Report for October 2025. 

Tea production, however, remained largely unchanged at 49.70 million kg, slightly below the 50.06 million kg recorded in October 2024. The marginal recovery followed several months of declining output between June and September and was supported by improved rainfall during the onset of the short rains.  

Despite the export growth, production levels continue to highlight the sector’s vulnerability to weather patterns. 

Regional data showed mixed fortunes for farmers. Production west of the Rift Valley increased by 1.23% to 32.51 million kg, supported by well-distributed rainfall.  

In contrast, output east of the Rift Valley declined by 4.21% to 17.19 million kg due to drier conditions. These regional disparities continue to influence factory deliveries and farmer earnings. 

Export demand remained concentrated in traditional markets. Pakistan led imports with 21.30 million kg, accounting for 40% of Kenya’s tea exports during the month. 

Egypt followed with a 17.3% share, while the UK, the UAE, Russia and Kazakhstan were also among the leading destinations. Overall, the top 10 markets absorbed nearly 87% of total exports. 

Emerging and seasonal markets, including Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Japan and Chile, recorded growth during the period. However, value-added tea exports reached only 1.46 million kg, representing just 3% of total shipments, underscoring the industry’s continued reliance on bulk, low-margin exports rather than branded or specialty products. 

Industry stakeholders have raised concerns over ongoing market disruptions, particularly the continued effects of Iran’s trade suspension.  

Iran has historically ranked among Kenya’s top five tea markets, importing between 20,000 and 25,000 tonnes annually, mainly high-value orthodox teas that command premium prices. A temporary ban imposed in 2023 following a controversial shipment disrupted exports and led to delayed payments across the value chain. 

Harrison Ochieng, deputy secretary of the Green Thinking Action Party (GTAP), said urgent government intervention is needed to stabilise the sector.  

“Tea is not just a crop. It is a national livelihood system, a foreign exchange pillar and a stabiliser of rural economies,” Ochieng said. 

“When tea is shaken, households shake, county economies shake and national confidence in governance is affected,” he added.  

GTAP has called for reforms within 30 days, including enforceable payment timelines, export traceability, transparency in factory deductions and emergency cash-flow support.  

“No tea farmer should bear losses arising from fraud, delayed payments, policy failures or market access breakdowns,” Ochieng said. 

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