Kenya is pushing tea exporters and investors to package the commodity locally, a move expected to enhance freshness, improve traceability, and increase farmer earnings.
The government recently scrapped taxes on packaging materials for agricultural products to encourage value addition and competitiveness in the global market. Packaging tea at source is expected to reduce unnecessary costs while helping exporters meet international specifications with direct-to-shelf products.
By retaining more value within the country, Kenya aims to strengthen its position as a global tea leader. The initiative also aligns with the broader push for agro-processing and local manufacturing, which policymakers say will create jobs and ensure farmers benefit more directly from their produce.
Kenya remains one of the world’s largest tea producers, with output reaching 598.47 million kilograms in 2024. This represented a 4.95 percent rise compared to the previous year, driven by favorable weather conditions, subsidized fertilizer distribution, and expanded processing capacity.
Beyond black tea, the country is diversifying into orthodox and specialty teas. Among them is the unique purple tea, developed by the Tea Research Institute. Rich in antioxidants and linked to health benefits, purple tea fetches three to four times the price of traditional black tea, offering farmers a lucrative opportunity.
Industry stakeholders believe packaging innovation at origin will secure better returns while responding to evolving global consumer demands for quality, sustainability, and authenticity. Local packaging also improves traceability, which is increasingly vital in international markets where buyers demand transparency in sourcing and processing.
Kenya’s tea industry carries not only economic weight but also environmental and cultural significance. Tea cultivation supports millions of livelihoods while contributing to ecosystem conservation through soil erosion prevention, biodiversity support, and carbon sequestration.
The government has called on international buyers to embrace Kenyan black, green, and purple teas, emphasizing that the country’s quality products remain globally competitive. By focusing on value addition and innovation, Kenya seeks to cement its dominance in the tea sector while ensuring farmers enjoy greater rewards from their hard work.
