Skip to main content

AGRICULTURE CS MUTAHI KAGWE PROPOSAL ON PACKAGING OF TEA IN KENYA TO INCREASE RETURNS TO KENYAN FARMER

Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe talking to tea investors at South Carolina USA.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe has called on countries and investors to package tea in Kenya for export, saying it is cheaper and guarantees higher value for both producers and buyers.

Speaking at the North America Tea Conference in South Carolina, Kagwe announced that the government has removed taxes on packaging materials for agricultural products. The move, he said, allows Kenyan exporters to package tea at source according to international market specifications, delivering direct-to-shelf products with assured freshness, traceability, and better returns to farmers.

“By packaging at origin, we eliminate unnecessary costs, improve competitiveness, and strengthen Kenya’s position in the global tea market,” Kagwe told delegates.

Accompanied by Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai, KTDA Chair Geoffrey Kirundi and his CEO Wilson Muthaura together with the Kenyan ambassador to the US David Kerich , CS Kagwe also highlighted Kenya’s leadership in global tea production, noting that the country produced 598.47 million kilograms in 2024, a 4.95 percent increase from the previous year. The growth was driven by favorable weather, subsidized fertilizer programs, and expanded processing capacity.

Kagwe further pointed to Kenya’s diversification into Orthodox and specialty teas, with purple tea—developed at the Tea Research Institute—standing out as the only variety of its kind in the world. Celebrated for its health benefits and antioxidant content, purple Orthodox tea fetches three to four times the price of black tea.

“Kenya’s innovation in tea not only secures better earnings for farmers but also places us ahead in meeting shifting global consumer demands,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary underscored tea’s environmental and cultural importance, describing it as both a livelihood and a crop that conserves ecosystems by preventing soil erosion, supporting biodiversity, and sequestering carbon.

Kagwe concluded by urging the U.S. market to embrace Kenyan black, green, and purple teas, noting that quality would always find a market.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IS MOSITET BEING GROOMED TO BE THE NEXT KAJIADO GOVERNOR

By Erick Wanjala, In a show of solidarity and compassion, the chair of KIRDI and the first Kajiado county senator Hon Eng Mositet has rallied close friends and well-wishers to donate food and essential items to vulnerable families affected by the ongoing economic hardships. Gubernatorial Aspirant Mositet together with CS in charge of the gender docket Hon Ruku and Kajiado county Woman Rep Hon Leah Sopiato Sankaire , led the initiative in Kajiado North , where hundreds of residents gathered to receive food packages consisting of maize flour, beans, rice, cooking oil, and hygiene supplies. Speaking during the food distribution event at Em bulbul, Eng Mositet said the gesture was inspired by the random  talks he had we the people on ground while rallying  support for the current regime to continue delivery of the Kenya Kwanza Manifestos. “When I was senator I lobbied for resources for many of our people in the entire county. With the on going confusion I get reports that families...
Post a Comment
Read more

Principal Secretary Justice,Human rights and Human rights Affairs Hon Pareno Calls on Upholding Rule of law.

  Photo Caption;Ps Justice,Human Rights and Constitutional affairs addressing the media .   The principal Secretary  Justice , humanrights and Constitutional affairs Hon Judith has called on Kenyans to respect the rule of law and operate within the frameworks established by the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of unity and accountability in a diverse nation. Speaking during the launch of a report on milestone in accessing to information by the office commission on administrative justice (Ombudsman) in Nairobi , Ps Pareno, urged citizens to abide by the law and reject acts that undermine national cohesion, adding that legal institutions remain the cornerstone of a just and democratic society. “We must work within the confines of our legal framework. The law is not an enemy of progress, but a pillar that supports our shared values as a people,” said Hon Pareno. The PS also challenged different actors and stakeholders to be at the forefront in p...
Post a Comment
Read more

ANCOFF THE COFFEE BRAND SHAKING AND SHAPING UP THE INDUSTRY.

From  right is Mr Billy Otieno owner AnCoff receiving best brand award from Mr Ndung'u Nyoro ,holding the photo from the left is Grace Njaramba a dedicated team player at AnCoff's. By Erick Wanjala  AnCoff a new coffee brand launched by a young entrepreneur Mr Billy Otieno is rapidly rising to prominence, earning recognition alongside established giants in the sector. The brand, introduced less than two years ago, has become a household name among coffee lovers for its unique blends, rich aroma, and focus on quality sourcing from local farmers and samples from the international market. Industry experts say its meteoric growth is reshaping the market and offering healthy ground to the coffee trailblazers. Speaking during the East Africa Best Brand Award, Billy  the founder attributed it's success to a commitment on innovation and authenticity.  “Our mission is simple — to create coffee that tells the story of our farmers while giving customers an unmatched...
Post a Comment
Read more