The government is keen on revitalizing the tea sector to boost productivity and raise farmers’ incomes through value addition. In a move aimed at lowering production costs, the government has waived taxes on packaging materials, a major contributor to high costs on value addition.
This morning, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Sen. Mutahi Kagwe held a consultative meeting with Chairpersons of the KTDA Managed Smallholder tea factories from the West of Rift region in Kericho. The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the tea sector, assuring stakeholders that international markets for Kenyan tea are available. He emphasized the need for farmers to focus on producing high-quality tea, noting that good quality tea—defined by two leaves and a bud—attracts better returns in global markets.
To further support farmers, CS Kagwe announced that the Ministry will collaborate with county governments to strengthen agricultural extension services. He revealed the ongoing initiative to train agripreneurs who will conduct farm visits and guide farmers on soil health, crop husbandry, good farming practices, use of inputs, and value addition techniques.
The CS was joined by Kericho County Governor H.E. Dr. Erick Mutai, PS State Department for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, TBK Chairman Ndung’u Gathinji, KTDA Vice Chair Erick Chepkwony, KTDA CEO Wilson Muthaura, TBK CEO Willy Mutai, County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo, and Kericho Agriculture CEC Magerer Langat.
