TBK interrogates tea production and sale between January and July   

The Mountain Journal

Kenya tea growers produced 364.1 8 million kgs of green leaf, with smallholders accounting for 197.4 million kgs plucked between January and July this year.

In the latest report by the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), 52.7 million kgs of tea was in July shipped to 63 countries with Pakistan leading with purchase of 19 million kgs.

A report by TBK Chief Executive Officer Willy Mutai states that between January and July this year 21.2 million kgs of tea were  consumed in the local market, compared to 20.49 million kgs in the same period in the previous year. 

In the month of July, farmers produced 40.8 million kgs compared to 44.6 million kgs in the previous year.

Mutai in a report dated October 14, indicates that  10 countries bought 82 percent of the production. The 10 countries are considered the Kenya traditional market

TBK reflects that in the month of July 34.14 million kgs of tea was sold through Mombasa Tea Auction, compared to 33.37 million kgs.

 The 10  countries are Pakistan  accounting for 36 percent, Egypt, United Kingdom, UAE, Russian, Yemen,India, Saudia Arabia,Kazakhstan , and Sudan.

“Since December 2023, attacks on vessels by the Yemen Terrorist group along the Red Sea have continued to have an impact on global trade with Shipping lines diverting vessels around Africa's Cape of Good Hope as an alternative shipment route,” said Mutai.

He adds that the export of tea has led to longer voyage times and higher freight rates from the Port of Mombasa especially to the European and North African markets.

KTDA Holding Chairman Enos Njeru said the leaders are involved in the production of quality produce eying on exploring new tea markets.

Mr Njeru said KTDA leadership has been working in identifying new markets, through the support of the envoys based in the foreign countries. 

“The directors are meeting the electoral zones  and buying centre committees in efforts to the production of the quality green leaf, eying  to sustain the foreign market,” said Njeru.