Tea Board of Kenya
The Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) is the statutory regulatory authority responsible for overseeing, regulating, and promoting Kenya’s tea industry. As one of the largest tea producers and exporters globally, Kenya plays a crucial role in the global tea market, and the Tea Board of Kenya ensures that the sector remains competitive, sustainable, and compliant with international trade standards.
Core Responsibilities & Functions
As the primary regulatory body, the Tea Board of Kenya is responsible for:
- Licensing and Regulation – Issuing licenses for tea growers, processors, manufacturers, exporters, and brokers.
- Quality Assurance – Enforcing Kenyan and international quality standards to maintain premium tea production.
- Market Development & Promotion – Enhancing Kenya’s tea exports through trade fairs, international partnerships, and branding initiatives.
- Policy Development – Formulating regulations and policies to drive the growth and sustainability of Kenya’s tea industry.
- Research & Development – Collaborating with scientific institutions to improve tea yield, quality, and sustainability.
- Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement – Representing farmers, traders, and exporters in local and global trade negotiations.
Kenya’s Tea Industry: Global Leadership & Market Performance
Kenya is one of the largest tea exporters in the world, producing some of the finest black, green, purple, and specialty teas.
Key Industry Statistics
- Annual Tea Production: Over 450 million kilograms.
- Global Ranking: 1st in black tea exports, 3rd largest tea producer worldwide.
- Total Export Revenue: Over $1.2 billion annually.
- Employment Impact: Supports over 650,000 smallholder tea farmers and directly employs 5 million people.
- Key Export Destinations: Pakistan, Egypt, United Kingdom, UAE, Sudan, Russia, USA, and China.
Kenyan tea is known for its strong aroma, deep color, and rich flavor, making it a preferred choice in global markets.
Regulatory & Licensing Framework
The Tea Board of Kenya ensures compliance with Kenyan and international standards through its licensing and regulatory framework.
Types of Licenses Issued by TBK
- Tea Grower License – For smallholder and large-scale tea farmers.
- Tea Manufacturing License – For processors and tea factories.
- Tea Brokerage License – Required for auction and private sale brokers.
- Tea Export License – Issued to tea exporting companies.
- Tea Import License – For businesses importing tea for blending and re-export.
The licensing framework ensures traceability, quality control, and compliance with export standards.
Quality Standards & Certification
The Tea Board of Kenya mandates strict quality control and certification to maintain the country’s reputation for premium tea.
Key Quality Certifications
- ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System)
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- Rainforest Alliance Certification
- Fair Trade Certification
- EU Organic Certification
- Halal & Kosher Certifications
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Compliance
These certifications ensure that Kenyan tea meets global safety, environmental, and ethical trade standards.
Market Promotion & Global Expansion
TBK actively promotes Kenyan tea globally through trade missions, branding, and digital marketing initiatives.
Key Market Development Initiatives
- Kenya Tea Mark of Origin – A certification mark that differentiates authentic Kenyan tea in global markets.
- Participation in Global Trade Fairs – Regular exhibitor at World Tea Expo (USA), Anuga (Germany), Gulf Food (Dubai), and China Tea Expo.
- Public-Private Partnerships – Working with exporters, governments, and multinational tea brands to expand market reach.
TBK is also supporting the growth of specialty teas, including purple tea and flavored infusions, to diversify Kenya’s tea portfolio.
Research & Development (R&D)
The Tea Board of Kenya collaborates with research institutions such as Tea Research Institute (TRI) to advance agronomic practices, climate resilience, and innovation in tea production.
Key R&D Focus Areas
- Climate-Resilient Tea Farming – Developing drought-tolerant tea varieties to counteract climate change.
- Organic & Sustainable Tea Farming – Encouraging eco-friendly farming techniques to reduce environmental impact.
- Value Addition & Processing – Supporting the production of specialty teas, instant tea powders, and tea extracts.
- Tea Biotechnology & Genetic Improvement – Enhancing tea quality, yield, and disease resistance.
Impact on Smallholder Tea Farmers
Over 60% of Kenya’s tea is produced by smallholder farmers, making them a critical component of the industry. TBK provides support programs, financing options, and training initiatives to enhance farmer productivity and earnings.
Farmer Support Initiatives
- Subsidized Farm Inputs – Providing access to fertilizers, seedlings, and irrigation systems.
- Training & Capacity Building – Conducting workshops on sustainable farming, pest control, and post-harvest handling.
- Financial Assistance & Credit Programs – Partnering with banks and cooperatives to offer farmers low-interest loans.
- Direct Market Access – Facilitating export partnerships for smallholder tea cooperatives.
Achievements & Industry Recognition
- Ranked the World’s #1 Black Tea Exporter.
- Winner of the “Best Tea Exporter” Award at the Global Tea Championship.
- Successfully introduced “Purple Tea” – A high-antioxidant specialty tea gaining international popularity.
- Implemented Blockchain-Based Tea Traceability System for transparent and efficient trade.
Future Growth & Strategic Plans
The Tea Board of Kenya is focused on expanding global market share, increasing sustainability, and enhancing value addition.
Key Strategic Goals
- Increasing Global Market Penetration – Expanding exports to North America, South America, and Southeast Asia.
- Strengthening Value Addition – Encouraging local tea packaging, branding, and processing to increase revenues.
- Improving Sustainability & Climate Resilience – Investing in renewable energy for tea processing and carbon-neutral farming.
- Digitalizing Tea Auctions – Enhancing transparency and efficiency in the Mombasa Tea Auction through digital transformation.
Conclusion
The Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) is at the forefront of the global tea industry, ensuring Kenyan tea remains competitive, high-quality, and sustainable. By supporting farmers, regulating quality, and expanding markets, TBK continues to position Kenya as the world leader in premium tea exports.
