Kenya is set to expand into specialty tea production after the government officially handed over the Sh360 million Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-donated Sencha Green Tea Processing Factory to Kangaita tea farmers in Kirinyaga County.
The factory had remained idle since 2019 due to an ownership dispute, but its handover paved the way for the production of premium Japanese-style Sencha green tea and is expected to boost farmers’ incomes through value addition and access to high-value export markets.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS), Mutahi Kagwe, said the directive came from the president for the facility to be given to the farmers.
“This factory now belongs to the farmers of Kangaita. That is the message I was given by President William Ruto himself. We could not allow such an important investment to remain dormant while farmers waited to benefit,” Kagwe announced
The facility is the only factory in Africa producing authentic Japanese Sencha green tea, positioning Kenya to tap into premium global specialty tea markets where prices can reach up to USD10 per kilogramme.
CS Kagwe thanked the Government of Japan, JICA and Japanese taxpayers for the investment, saying the project represents the future of Kenya’s tea industry through technology transfer, premium processing and higher farmer incomes.
He said value addition would not only increase export earnings but also create employment opportunities for young people.
“The children of tea farmers must also benefit from this industry. Value addition creates industries, creates jobs and ensures the next generation sees agriculture as a profitable enterprise.” He added.
The Cabinet Secretary further announced that Japan will continue supporting technical training to enable Kenyan experts to master Sencha tea production and establish Kangaita as a continental centre of excellence in specialty tea manufacturing.
“You will see some experts from Japan coming to train farmers from farms, as some changes need to be made from basic production to factory. The will ensure the final product fetch higher prices in market and farmers received more profit,” Kagwe added
The CS also revealed that the government will step up the promotion of the Kenya tea brand and its geographical indications to ensure the country’s tea is recognised and marketed globally as Kenya Tea.
“We want Kangaita to remain ahead because it is famous. We want Kangaita Tea,” he said.
Kagwe also urged international buyers to preserve the Kenyan identity of the product instead of rebranding it under other countries.
“But we are telling them going forward, don’t buy Kangaita Tea; you put your tea there, and you say it is Pakistan. We want Kenya Tea to be called Kenya Tea. And that is why we are going to invest substantial amounts of money in promoting Kenyan tea overseas.” He noted
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering tea farmers, producers and processors, while pledging continued support for Kangaita Tea Factory to maintain its reputation as a leader in specialty tea production.
By Mutai Kipng’etich
