Kenya, the world’s leading exporter of black tea, is seeking to lift the existing tea export ban to Iran as part of a renewed diplomatic and economic push to deepen its presence in the Middle East and Central Asia markets.
Speaking during a strategic engagement with Iranian business leaders, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe emphasized the importance of the Iranian market in boosting Kenya’s tea industry. “Reopening access to Iran’s robust market could be a game changer for tea farmers and the entire tea value chain,” Kagwe stated.
The high-level meeting, which included Kenya’s Ambassador to the UAE Kenneth Milimo, Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holdings Ltd Chair Chege Kirundi, and CEO Wilson Muthaura, focused on not only reestablishing trade with Iran but also exploring wider opportunities across the region. This move aligns with Kenya’s broader agenda to strengthen bilateral ties and ensure stable and diverse markets for its agricultural exports.
According to the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), tea earnings in 2024 amounted to Kshs. 215.21 billion, up 9% from Kshs. 196.97 billion in 2023. Of this, exports contributed Kshs. 181.69 billion—an increase of 1% from the previous year—attributed to a 14% rise in export volumes to 594.50 million kilograms.
Iran, which previously imported 13 million kilograms of Kenyan tea worth Kshs. 4.26 billion, ranks among the top ten importers. However, ongoing trade restrictions have limited its capacity to import, creating an urgent need for resolution to reopen this valuable market.
Currently, Pakistan remains the largest importer of Kenyan tea, purchasing 206.27 million kilograms valued at Kshs. 70 billion. Other significant markets include Egypt, the UK, UAE, Russia, and India.
Reengaging with Iran could significantly boost Kenya’s tea fortunes, offering a lucrative outlet for premium varieties while reducing overdependence on traditional markets. With the country already exporting to 96 destinations, the push to lift the ban represents Kenya’s strategic intent to diversify its tea market and enhance economic resilience for farmers and stakeholders in the tea value chain.
