The Kenya Tea Development Agency KTDA factories and Kenya Tea Packers KETEPA have jointly formed a Common branding User Facility in Kericho that will brand black tea mainly “Chai gold” through value addition and creation of high-quality tea for the local and international markets.
President William Samoei Ruto who yesterday was the chief guest during the official launch of KETEPA’s latest premium tea product, “Chai Gold,” held in Kericho County highlighted the pivotal role of agriculture in Kenya’s economic development saying that agriculture is the lifeblood of our nation.
“Agriculture is item number one in the Kenya Kwanza Administration or UDA manifesto and it is important to Kenya since it contributes 25 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) and together with the manufacturing sector around agriculture it contributes about 50 per cent to the country’s GDP that is why the government has laid a lot of importance to agriculture” President Ruto said.
“We are moving our tea production to the next level through value addition and creating jobs, creating wealth. The more we sell branded processed tea the bigger the earnings, the more jobs we create and the more the enterprises, the KETEPA tea common user facility will be used to support the micro and small medium enterprises to brand and help market their products within and outside the country.’’ Dr Ruto said.
He added that over 600,000 tea farmers affiliated to KTDA in the country earned a total of Ksh 114 billion in the year 2022 and Ksh 180 billion in 2023 and this year, 2024, tea farmers anticipate to earn Ksh 210 billion in their produce to the KTDA. This year tea famers are likely to earn Ksh 70 per kilo in bonus which will be a record high in Kenya’s history.
“The government is aggressively searching for alternative tea markets for their produce within the Country, in African Countries and in overseas markets. Other potential markets for tea include Switzerland, China and Ghana.’’ Dr Ruto said.
“’Chai Gold’ is not just a celebration of a new product but a testament to the hard work and dedication of our farmers. Our government is committed to providing the necessary support to ensure that our agricultural sector thrives.” The President said.
President Ruto said that the government is geared towards fighting maize shortage and hunger through provision of fertilizer subsidies at ksh 2500 per 50 kgs and now maize production in the country was now producing 67 million bags up from 43 million bags a while back and now targets to produce 70 million bags in a year.
“We have put significant efforts into expanding our export markets, including our world-famous tea which must reach every corner of the globe. We are investing in modern technologies and infrastructure to enhance productivity and ensure our farmers get fair prices for their produce.” Dr. Ruto said.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary CS Mithika Linturi, also present at the event, emphasized the government’s strategic plans for the agricultural sector. “The launch of ‘Chai Gold’ is a testament to the potential of our agricultural sector given the right support and resources,” Linturi stated.
Linturi said that the government was supporting farmers to access affordable credit, advanced agricultural training programs while assisting them to reduce post-harvest losses.
Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai who was present reiterated the importance of the tea industry to the country’s economy. “Kericho is the heartland of Kenya’s tea industry,” Dr. Mutai remarked. “The launch of ‘Chai Gold’ by KETEPA is a proud moment for us and a clear indication of the innovative strides being made within the sector.”
Governor Mutai highlighted the significant contributions of the tea industry to employment and economic stability in the region. “Tea farming provides livelihoods for thousands of families in Kericho. Our focus is on ensuring sustainable practices and maximizing the benefits for our farmers,” he said.
“We are working closely with the national government and private sector to enhance the quality and competitiveness of our tea in the global market.” He added.
By Dominic Cheres
