Orthodox Tea Production Set to Boost Farmers’ Earnings – KTDA

Key Highlights

• KTDA says orthodox tea will significantly raise farmers’ earnings.
• The first orthodox tea auction launched in Mombasa last week.
• KTDA factories can produce up to 10 million kilograms annually.
• In 2024, Kenya produced 7.5 million kg of orthodox tea, exporting 5 million.
• Currently, 13 KTDA-managed factories produce black and green orthodox teas.
• More factories are set to join the specialty tea production line.
• KTDA has also finalized plans to import and distribute fertilizer to farmers.

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has announced that the production and export of orthodox tea will open new income opportunities for smallholder farmers, with the specialty product fetching higher prices in international markets.

KTDA Chairman Chege Kirundi, speaking in Murang’a after meeting tea factory directors, said the launch of the first orthodox tea auction in Mombasa marks a turning point for the industry. He noted that factories already producing orthodox tea are set to pay farmers more for their green leaf.

Kirundi revealed that KTDA-managed factories have the capacity to produce 10 million kilograms of orthodox tea every year. In 2024 alone, Kenya produced 7.5 million kilograms of the premium tea, with 5 million kilograms exported to global buyers.

Currently, 13 factories under KTDA management are producing both black and green orthodox teas, with more factories expected to join the initiative. Kirundi described orthodox tea as a “game-changer” for the sector, noting that it consistently attracts better prices compared to traditional black CTC tea.

He emphasized that farmers will not need to make any extra investments, since orthodox tea production relies on the same green leaf supplied by growers. “This directly translates to improved earnings while strengthening Kenya’s position in global tea trade,” Kirundi said.

The chairman also applauded the government and industry stakeholders for establishing the orthodox tea auction platform, which he described as a critical move to stabilize incomes and reduce market risks.

At the same time, KTDA has finalized the importation of fertilizer for farmers. Kirundi said the consignment will be distributed through tea factories once it arrives in the country.