The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has issued a call to tea farmers to shift their focus from sheer volume to quality production to address the increasing problem of unsold tea stocks. KTDA chairperson Enos Njeru highlighted the challenges faced by the industry during an induction meeting for newly elected KTDA directors in Mombasa, noting that a significant amount of tea remains unsold due to compromised quality.
Njeru pointed out that the main reason for the decline in tea quality is farmers’ failure to adhere to the recommended plucking standard of two leaves and a bud. He emphasized that farmers who prioritize quality over quantity are seeing better sales results, as higher-quality tea fetches better prices and is more marketable internationally.
The issue of tea hawking, where farmers sell to buyers who do not emphasize quality, was also identified as a significant factor affecting the industry. Njeru noted that due to economic hardships, some farmers are compelled to sell any available tea quickly, without regard for quality, to meet their immediate financial needs. To counter this, KTDA has taken steps to improve payments to farmers, increasing monthly payouts to motivate them to produce high-quality tea. This strategy has led to a shift in farmer preferences, with more producers returning to KTDA from private entities.
Njeru also warned against the use of machinery in plucking, as it often leads to broken leaves, which release chemicals that affect the tea’s quality when processed. He urged KTDA farmers, who are mostly small-scale operators, to rely on hand plucking to maintain the highest quality standards. The quality of tea is mostly compromised between the farm and the factory, he added, and KTDA is working to sensitize farmers on best practices to minimize this loss.
The chairperson noted that despite quality concerns, KTDA has received higher volumes of tea this year due to favorable weather conditions and the availability of fertilizers. Between January and March, substantial rainfall coupled with fertilizer application resulted in a significant crop yield, increasing tea volumes by approximately 51 to 52 million tonnes compared to the previous year. Njeru also attributed the increased stock levels to the ban on Direct Sales Overseas.
Looking ahead, Njeru expressed optimism about the upcoming sales and payments to farmers. By mid-October, when bonuses are distributed, the agency expects to have sufficient revenue, thanks to the larger sales volumes already achieved compared to the previous year.
Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai echoed Njeru’s sentiments, stressing the importance of adhering to quality standards, such as the two leaves and a bud rule, to ensure better market prices. Mutai highlighted the significant contribution of small-scale tea factories to the national crop production, accounting for up to 56% of the total output. This contribution translates to a substantial economic impact, with small-scale farmers expected to generate over Sh100 billion from their production.
Mutai also acknowledged the global tea surplus and outlined plans to explore new markets, particularly in China, to address the excess supply. He announced a Sh1 billion support initiative from the Tea Board aimed at enhancing value addition for the KTDA through Ketepa Tea, ensuring that Kenyan tea can attract premium prices in the packed tea market.
In closing, Njeru urged tea farmers to remain united under the KTDA banner to maintain consistent quality standards. He emphasized that the industry’s success hinges on cooperation and adherence to set quality benchmarks, which will ultimately lead to improved productivity, better prices, and a more sustainable future for Kenyan tea farmers.
