The Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) has banned the hawking of green tea leaves and roadside collections. This decision, announced in a circular by TBK CEO Willy Mutai, aims to curb malpractices that have plagued the industry, leading to declining tea quality and poor returns for farmers.
The new regulations prohibit tea factories and producers from engaging in green leaf hawking, roadside collections, and the use of unregistered vehicles or brokers. These practices, often driven by private tea factories offering higher prices, have led farmers to sell their produce to unregistered buyers, violating the Tea Act of 2020. This influx of private factories has exacerbated the problem, with farmers prioritizing quick profits over quality, ultimately undermining the industry’s sustainability.
According to Mutai, the reforms are part of a broader government effort to improve the quality of green leaf tea and ensure better prices for farmers and investors. The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Mutahi Kagwe, has also emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of the Tea Act, 2020, including the gazettement of green leaf quality standards and operational regulations. These measures aim to eliminate the harvesting and processing of low-quality tea, which has contributed to declining global competitiveness.
The ban on green tea hawking is expected to streamline the supply chain, ensuring that tea leaves are processed through registered factories and collection centers. This will not only improve tea quality but also enhance transparency and accountability in the sector. Farmers will benefit from fairer pricing and better returns, while investors will gain confidence in the industry’s long-term viability.
Kenya’s tea industry, a key contributor to the economy, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including fluctuating global prices and internal inefficiencies. The government’s latest reforms signal a commitment to addressing these issues and positioning the sector for sustainable growth. By curbing malpractices and enforcing quality standards, Kenya aims to reclaim its status as a global leader in tea production, ensuring prosperity for its farmers and stakeholders.
