This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
On a recent visit to the Ngorongo Tea Factory in Kiambu, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security in Lesotho Simon Litsane announced that his government is interested in collaborating with Kenyan tea producers to introduce black tea to their market.
Lesotho currently relies on tea from South Africa, which is mostly herbal tea. However, with Kenya being the leading exporter of tea globally, Lesotho sees an opportunity to tap into the Kenyan tea market.
“Lesotho doesn’t grow tea, we are amazed at what you Kenyans are doing, our government is interested in introducing black tea in our market and we are ready to learn more”, Minister Litsane said during the visit.
The proposed direct trade between Lesotho and Kenya is expected to create jobs for the youth and provide a new market niche for Kenyan tea producers. The tea will be exported directly from the factory to Lesotho, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring that the tea reaches the market while very fresh.
Prime Minister Motsoahae Thomas Thabane led the delegation for a three-day state visit, which included a tour of the Ngorongo Tea Factory.
Published on November 13, 2019.
