A Rwandan tea farmer working in vibrant green tea plantations, highlighting agricultural development and community empowerment in Africa.
Kenya’s tea industry, a cornerstone of its economy responsible for 5 million jobs, saw export earnings surge to $1.7 billion in 2024, fueled by expanded global reach to 96 countries. Production climbed 24% from 2019 to 2023, cementing Kenya as the world’s third-largest tea producer. However, early 2025 brought challenges, with output dipping due to erratic weather and global disruptions. Smallholder farmers, responsible for 60% of production, face climate threats, stagnant prices, and rising operational costs. To protect these farmers, industry leaders are asking for increased institutional support. They are also pushing drought-resistant varieties, efficient irrigation, and—critically—value addition as key strategies to counter declining production. With demand for specialty teas on the rise, experts argue that increasing the production of specialty teas like Kenya’s antioxidant-rich purple variety could boost jobs and farmer incomes.
African Business