Tea stakeholders have resolved to pursue the e-market strategy in efforts to sell tea in all the available markets, and increase returns to the farmers at Sh 272 billion annually.

Last year, the farmers earned Sh180 billion from the market but are keen to secure more markets for increased gains.

During the International Tea Day celebrated at Gacharage tea factory, the stakeholders, among them Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), KTDA Holding, Fairtrade Africa, resolved to embrace digital marketing.

Kagwe said the removal of tea duty on packaging materials will enhance the packaging of Kenyan tea for export, ultimately increasing returns for farmers. 

The CS emphasized the government's commitment to supporting smallholder tea farmers, to enhance production of tea, as he lauded the initiative by the Gacharage factory for being innovative in securing international markets.

“Gacharage Tea Factory Chairman Wilfred Gathitu, has innovated ways to make the facility the best owing to the launch of products attracting the expanding market,” said Kagwe.

He regretted that the tea sector could be affected by low production if the families continued subdividing their land.

“Tea should be a family business as the subdivision trend should be discouraged,” he advised the farmers.

Kagwe accompanied by KTDA Holding Chairman Chege Kirundi encouraged the strengthening of bilateral trade between Kenya and Pakistan, noting that Kenyan tea plays a vital role in the economic growth.

Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro asked the government to clear the bill on the subsided fertilizers saying the tea factories were struggling.

The government, he said, owes the tea factories billions of shillings and the promise made was yet to be honoured.

“The factories are crippling due to shortage of finances, where Ikumbi factory seeks Sh46 million, Makomboki Sh 86 million, and Gacharage Sh 46 million,” said the lawmaker.

On coffee payment, Munyoro, a member of Cotepa urged the government to conduct effective public participation forums and listen to the interest of the farmers.

“Listen to the issues raised by the farmers on direct payment to avoid controversies in the future,” said Munyoro.

TBK CEO Willy Mutai said there was a need for the farmers to be provided with information pertaining to the sector, to ensure they abide by the regulations.

“ The regulator was keen to ensure all the malpractices in the sector are eliminated and accelerate the growth of the sector,” said Mr Mutai.

Kirundi on his part emphasised on collaboration of the research institutions, commercial partners and government agencies  to leverage expertise, exploration of new markets  and  amplify the impact of our sustainability initiative.

“We will leverage digital platforms to provide farmers with real-time market information, best agricultural practices, weather forecasts, and access to financial services,” he said.

Murang’a Trade CEC Kimani Mugo said the county government was working hand in hand with the tea factories focusing on value addition.

“We have Mariira Farm in Kigumo where the factories can research their tea plants,” said Mugo.