Kenya to launch scientific tea testing centre in Mombasa to boost quality and farmer earnings
Kenya plans a new tea testing centre and factory upgrades to improve quality, transparency, and farmer incomes while addressing market challenges and strengthening global competitiveness.
KENYA – Kenya is set to commission a modern scientific tea testing centre in Mombasa by May, as part of wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving transparency, enhancing quality, and increasing earnings for farmers.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Kiprono Rono said the new facility will replace outdated tea tasting methods with science-based evaluation systems to ensure fairness and credibility in pricing Kenyan tea in global markets.
Speaking during a visit to Chebut and Kaptumo tea factories in Nandi County, Rono said the centre will mark a significant shift in how tea quality is assessed. He noted that the move will strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness internationally.
The government has also announced a Sh3.5 billion investment to upgrade 19 tea factories across the country to modernize processing and improve efficiency.
Rono emphasized the need for Kaptumo factory to install an orthodox tea processing line, adding that the government is actively seeking premium markets to support a transition from the traditional Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) method to orthodox tea production, which commands higher global prices.
The Principal Secretary issued a warning to the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Board over alleged corruption and mismanagement of funds. “Farmers should not uproot their tea bushes. Instead, we will uproot the cartels,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests.
He added that government interventions have already improved farmer payments, with monthly earnings rising from Kes16 to 26 per kilogram over the past year.
Rono attributed recent volatility in tea prices and bonuses to global factors, including the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has disrupted key export markets such as Iran. He said the government is exploring alternative markets in China and Pakistan to cushion farmers from the impact.
To address production challenges, the government has released Kes 2 billion for fertilizer subsidies to mitigate shortages caused by rising demand. Rono assured farmers of improved access to subsidized inputs during the current planting season.
During the visit, the PS handed over certificates of separation to the factories, marking a new phase of autonomy and self-governance. He urged factory management to embrace modernization, adopt digital technologies, and strengthen governance structures to improve productivity and accountability.
To promote diversification, Rono donated 20,000 certified tea and avocado seedlings to farmers, encouraging integration of high-value crops to boost incomes.
Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai called on factories to invest in scientific research and improve processing standards. He said ongoing reforms focused on quality improvement, market diversification, and sector revitalization are expected to increase farmers’ bonuses and overall earnings.
Leaders present also emphasized the need to eliminate middlemen in the tea value chain to ensure transparency and direct returns for farmers.
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