Ministry hands over Sh360m Sencha Tea Plant to Kangaita farmers
MUTAI KIPNG’ETICH-KNA
The Government has officially handed over a Sh360 million specialty tea processing plant to Kangaita tea farmers in Kirinyaga County, unlocking new opportunities for value addition, higher incomes and entry into premium global markets.
The premium Sencha green tea factory, funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), had remained idle since 2019 due to ownership disputes.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the handover marks a turning point for farmers, enabling them to produce authentic Japanese Sencha green tea—the only facility of its kind in Africa.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony Kagwe said, “This factory now belongs to the farmers of Kangaita. The facility is the only factory in Africa producing authentic Japanese Sencha green tea.”
Kagwe said positioning Kenya to tap into premium global specialty tea markets, where prices can reach up to USD10 per kilogramme, represents the future of Kenya’s tea industry through technology transfer, premium processing and higher farmer incomes.
He said value addition would not only increase export earnings but also create employment opportunities for young people.
“The children of tea farmers must also benefit from this industry. Value addition creates industries, creates jobs and ensures the next generation sees agriculture as a profitable enterprise,” he added.
The CS further said that Japan will continue supporting technical training to enable Kenyan experts to master the process of producing Sencha tea and establish Kangaita as a continental centre of excellence in specialty tea manufacturing.
“You will see some experts from Japan coming to train farmers from farms as some changes need to be made from basic production to factory. The will ensure the final product fetch higher prices in market and farmers received more profit,” Kagwe added.
The CS said the government will step up the promotion of the Kenyan tea brand and its geographical indications to ensure the country’s tea is recognized and marketed globally.
“We want Kangaita to remain ahead because it is famous.We want Kangaita tea,” he said.
He urged international buyers to preserve the Kenyan identity of the product instead of rebranding.