By John Kariuki
The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture & Livestock Development, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, visited the Chai Trading Company warehouses in Miritini, Mombasa, to assess ongoing efforts in addressing challenges facing Kenya’s tea sector. Chai Trading, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), plays a crucial role in enhancing the industry's global footprint by facilitating efficient storage, logistics, and export of Kenyan tea.
During the visit, CS Kagwe inspected ongoing expansions to the warehouse infrastructure, a strategic initiative aimed at reducing storage costs for smallholder tea farmers. The development aligns with KTDA’s broader efforts to improve operational efficiencies and enhance profitability for tea growers. With warehousing costs being a major expense in the tea supply chain, the new extensions are expected to significantly ease the financial burden on farmers.
CS Kagwe commended KTDA for its proactive approach in streamlining the tea value chain, ensuring timely sales, and optimizing returns for smallholder farmers. He emphasized the government’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders to enhance market access, boost tea quality, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a global leader in tea exports.
“Kenya’s tea sector remains a key pillar of our agricultural economy. By investing in better storage and distribution systems, we are ensuring that farmers receive maximum value for their produce while maintaining Kenya’s reputation for high-quality tea in global markets,” CS Kagwe stated.
The visit also highlighted KTDA’s strategic initiatives aimed at tackling challenges such as market volatility, delayed payments, and fluctuating prices. Through innovative solutions, the agency is exploring new market opportunities, improving auction systems, and enhancing transparency in tea trading.
CS Kagwe was accompanied by KTDA National Chair Chege Kirundi, CEO Wilson Muthaura, and Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai. The high-profile delegation underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, regulatory bodies, and private sector players in strengthening Kenya’s tea industry.
The visit reinforced the FarmersFirst agenda, reaffirming the government’s dedication to prioritizing the welfare of tea farmers while ensuring the sector remains competitive on a global scale.
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