This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
Published on October 11, 2019, tea factories in Kericho and Bomet County have achieved remarkable success, earning a total of KShs 15.85 billion from 69.325 million kgs made tea sales for the year ended June 2019.
Out of this amount, KShs 10 billion will be paid out to the farmers as initial and final payments. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the farmers and tea factory owners in the region.
Tea farmers in Bomet County have earned a total net revenue of KShs 6.153 billion from 42.675 million kgs made tea. Out of this, the farmers have already received KShs 3.04 billion as initial payment, and the remaining KShs 3.11 billion will be paid at the end of this month.
Tea farmers in Kericho County have earned a total of Sh3.824 billion this year from 26.65 million kgs of made tea. Farmers have already earned KShs 1.86 billion as monthly initial payment, and the remaining Sh1.96 billion will be paid to them at the end of October 2019.
Despite facing challenges such as increased global production and economic sanctions, Kenya's tea industry has managed to thrive. The country is the leading exporter of black CTC teas in the world, accounting for about 23 percent of global exports, with KTDA accounting for about 13 percent.
According to Kapkoros Board Chairman, Mr. Eric Langat, the tea sector is facing challenges such as Mangirito and poor road network, which have a great impact on leaf quality and consequently the quality of made tea offered to the market. He appealed to the government and the political fraternity to support the farmers and tea factory owners in the region.
Kenya's key export destinations for black CTC tea include Pakistan, Egypt, UK, UAE, and Sudan. These countries have experienced significant currency devaluation due to political and economic challenges, which has reduced the purchasing power of the consuming population.
Mr. Langat urged the political fraternity and other interested parties not to politicize the tea business but to understand the dynamics driving the sector.
