Kenya generated a remarkable Ksh.250 billion in revenue from tea sales in 2024, solidifying its position as a global leader in tea production and export. This was revealed by the Tea Board of Kenya on Monday, with CEO Willy Mutai providing a detailed breakdown of the earnings.
According to Mutai, Ksh.215 billion was secured from export earnings, with a capped value of Ksh.181.69 billion, while local sales contributed an additional Ksh.18 billion. The CEO also highlighted that committed teas, which are pre-arranged sales agreements, accounted for another Ksh.18 billion.
“We made Ksh.215 billion from export earnings, capped to Ksh.181.69 billion, plus Ksh.18 billion from local sales. There is also what we call committed teas whose sale came to Ksh.18 billion,” said Mutai.
In addition to the strong financial performance, Kenya’s tea production increased significantly in 2024. The country produced 598 million kilograms of tea, up from 570 million kilograms the previous year. Mutai attributed this rise in production to the hard work of women in the sector, noting their critical role across the 834 tea farms in Kenya.
Kenya remains a dominant player in the global tea industry, with tea ranking among its top export commodities alongside cut flowers, tropical fruits, and coffee. The country’s tea is highly sought after in key international markets such as Pakistan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan continues to be one of the largest importers of Kenyan tea, reinforcing the strong trade ties between the two nations.
The increase in production and earnings underscores the importance of the tea industry to Kenya’s economy, providing livelihoods to millions of farmers and workers within the value chain. As the global demand for high-quality tea continues to grow, Kenya’s strategic investments in tea farming, processing, and export logistics will be crucial in sustaining and expanding its market share.
The Tea Board of Kenya remains optimistic about the future of the industry and continues to implement policies aimed at enhancing production efficiency, improving quality, and ensuring sustainable farming practices. These efforts will not only boost the country’s economy but also strengthen Kenya’s reputation as a world-class tea producer.
