By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya , July 23, 2026 - Kenya's tea uptake has reached a record 93 per cent, the Ministry of Agriculture has revealed, highlighting the sector's strong economic potential.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said this is the highest uptake the country has ever recorded. He defended the 0.8 per cent tea levy, noting it is fundamental to strengthening the sector by financing research, global marketing, and value addition.
Kagwe made the remarks on Thursday as he handed over a KSh360 million Japanese-funded Sencha tea processing factory at Kangaita Tea Factory. "Tea uptake has increased to 93 per cent compared to levels witnessed three years ago. It is therefore not true that the tea levy has caused a glut," he said. "Where will the money to promote Kenyan tea in international markets come from if we refuse to support the levy? Let us be honest—it is not the farmer paying this levy. It is the buyer."
As a leading global exporter of black tea, Kenya cannot afford to underinvest in market development and financing, the CS maintained.
He cautioned that ageing tea bushes have continued to reduce yields and quality in many tea-growing areas, making research into new, high-yielding, and climate-resilient varieties more urgent than ever.
Kagwe said handing over the JICA-donated Japanese Sencha green tea processing factory to Kangaita tea farmers demonstrates the government's commitment to value addition. The project had remained idle since 2019 due to an ownership dispute.
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The facility is the only factory in Africa producing authentic Japanese Sencha green tea, positioning Kenya to tap into premium global specialty markets where prices can reach up to USD10 per kilogramme.
The CS is optimistic the project will increase export earnings and create employment opportunities for young people. He called for stronger protection of Kenya's identity in international markets through Geographical Indications, noting that some countries continue to package and sell Kenyan tea as their own.