Kenya’s small-scale tea factories earn US$6.8M at Mombasa auction 

KENYA – Kenya’s small-scale tea factories recorded Kes 882.4 million (US$6.8M) in earnings from the sale of 3,543,878 kilograms at the Mombasa Tea Auction last week, marking a significant increase from the previous week’s Kes 772.7 million (US$8.98M). 

According to a market report released by Tea Brokers East Africa Limited (TBEAL), several factories achieved notable returns. Mununga led with Kes 26.4 million (US$204.3K) from 69,968 kilograms, followed by Kathangariri with Kes 25 million (US$193K) from 80,160 kilograms. 

Kimunye topped the earnings list with Kes 48.5 million (US$375.4K) from 156,967 kilograms, while Ngere registered Kes 31.7 million (US$245.3K) from 103,703 kilograms. Other top-performing factories included Gathuthi with Kes 10.5 million (US$81.3K), Kiegoi at Kes 14.8 million (US$114.6K), Rukuriri at Kes 18.2 million (US$140.9K), Imenti at Kes 16.3 million (US$126.2K), and Mungania at Kes 12.3 million (US$95.2K). 

The report highlighted that the product fetched an average price of Kes 305 per kilogram. Prices varied by region, with teas from the East of the Rift achieving Kes 370 per kilogram, compared to Kes 240 per kilogram in the West. 

Factories offering the highest volumes included Kimunye (156,967 kilograms), Kionyo (122,053 kilograms), Ngere (103,703 kilograms), Momul (140,425 kilograms), Michimikuru (139,856 kilograms), and Tirgaga (101,936 kilograms).  

In contrast, Kapko Factory in the West of the Rift received the lowest price at Kes 158 per kilogram for its 26,456 kilograms, earning Kes 4.1 million. 

Ngere Tea Factory Chairman James Githinji attributed strong earnings to the commitment of farmers within the catchment area to pluck high-quality tea. “The board has been working hand in hand with the farmers to ensure we achieve the highest quality to satisfy the market,” he said. 

In Embu, Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Zone Six board member Enos Njeru commended Rukuriri, Mungania, and Kathangariri factories for securing premium prices. He noted that agricultural officers frequently visit farmers to enhance tea quality. 

Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) Director Charles Kirigwi encouraged growers to maintain quality production standards to secure better prices in both local and export markets. 

Meanwhile, Kenya and Iran have formed a joint committee to address trade disputes and pave the way for lifting the current ban on Kenyan tea exports within 60 days. 

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed that the committee will establish and implement strict regulations to prevent malpractice in tea exports. 

Kenyan tea exports to Iran have grown significantly, rising from 3.2 metric tonnes in 2020 to a record 13 metric tonnes in 2024, with export values increasing from US$5 million to US$33 million during the same period. 

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