Kenya’s tea exports to China are set to increase following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Meru-based Njeru Industries Ltd and China’s Zonken Food and Agriculture Limited on June 8, 2024. The agreement, signed during the 9th Nairobi International Cultural Festival at the National Museums of Kenya, aims to enhance the quality and market reach of Kenyan black tea through advanced processing and packaging techniques provided by Chinese experts.
Henry Njeru, Managing Director of Njeru Tea Factory, and Feng Xingjun, Managing Director of Zonken Food and Agriculture Ltd, signed the partnership agreement in the presence of officials from both Kenyan and Chinese governments and business representatives. The MOU outlines a framework for cooperation, with Chinese tea masters coming to Kenya to train their counterparts in value addition techniques.
“Kenyan tea leaves are of very good quality, but the product’s value is lower. By combining Chinese technology with Kenya’s high-quality tea leaves, we can create the best tea for export,” said William Zhou from the Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Zonken Food and Agriculture Ltd noted the increasing demand for black tea in China. As part of the deal, Chinese tea masters will ensure the quality of the final product meets export standards. “Kenya is the largest producer and the third-largest exporter of black tea, but its export value is not very high. We aim to train our Kenyan partners to add more value to the tea and increase exports,” Zhou added.
Famous Chinese Tea Master Xie Yongzhong, a representative inheritor of Qimen, China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage, was part of the delegation and showcased tea processing techniques.
Henry Njeru praised the agreement, highlighting the significant benefits for Kenya, particularly in terms of technology exchange. “China has over 2000 years of experience in the tea business, while Kenya has about 100 years. We have a lot to learn from our Chinese counterparts,” he said. Njeru is optimistic that the deal will enable Kenya to access new markets and achieve better prices for its tea, compared to the low prices at the Mombasa auction.
Joseph M’eruaki, Chairman of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), stated that the agreement would expand the reach of Kenyan tea, benefiting farmers. “Access to the Chinese market is a significant advantage for our tea industry given China’s large middle-income population,” he said.
Tang Jianjun, the Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, welcomed the deal, noting that tea serves as a vehicle for connecting China with the world. “China has an idiom ‘making friends with tea,’ which means that by drinking tea together, people can enjoy a good time and strengthen friendships,” he explained.
The partnership is expected to boost the global competitiveness of Kenyan tea, which is already one of the country’s top export commodities.
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