Chuka: Kenya is set to expand into specialty tea production after the government officially handed over the Sh360 million Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-donated Sencha Green Tea Processing Factory to Kangaita tea farmers in Kirinyaga County. The factory had remained idle since 2019 due to an ownership dispute, but its handover paved the way for the production of premium Japanese-style Sencha green tea and is expected to boost farmers’ incomes through value addition and access to high-value export markets.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the handing over ceremony, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe stated that the directive to transfer the facility to the farmers came directly from President William Ruto. Kagwe emphasized the importance of the investment, asserting, “This factory now belongs to the farmers of Kangaita. That is the message I was given by President William Ruto himself. We could not allow such an important investment to remain dormant while farmers waited to benefit.”
The facility is the only factory in Africa producing authentic Japanese Sencha green tea, positioning Kenya to tap into premium global specialty tea markets where prices can reach up to USD10 per kilogramme. CS Kagwe expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, JICA, and Japanese taxpayers for their investment, highlighting the project’s significance for the future of Kenya’s tea industry through technology transfer, premium processing, and increased farmer incomes.
Kagwe also noted that value addition would not only enhance export earnings but also create employment opportunities for young people. “The children of tea farmers must also benefit from this industry. Value addition creates industries, creates jobs and ensures the next generation sees agriculture as a profitable enterprise,” he added.
Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary announced ongoing Japanese support for technical training to enable Kenyan experts to master Sencha tea production and establish Kangaita as a continental center of excellence in specialty tea manufacturing. “You will see some experts from Japan coming to train farmers from farms, as some changes need to be made from basic production to factory. This will ensure the final product fetches higher prices in the market and farmers receive more profit,” Kagwe stated.
Additionally, Kagwe revealed that the government plans to promote the Kenya tea brand and its geographical indications to ensure the country’s tea is recognized and marketed globally as Kenya Tea. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the Kenyan identity of the product, urging international buyers not to rebrand Kenyan tea under other countries’ names.
The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering tea farmers, producers, and processors, while pledging continued support for Kangaita Tea Factory to maintain its reputation as a leader in specialty tea production.
