Gov't waives taxes on tea packaging materials to lower production costs, increase farmers' incomes

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe made the announcement on Wednesday following a consultative meeting with the chairpersons of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Management and smallholder tea factories from the West Rift region in Kericho. 

This move, according to Kagwe, aims to reduce production costs, a major factor in the high costs associated with value-added tea production.

CS Kagwe reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the tea sector and assured stakeholders that international markets for Kenyan tea remain open.

Kagwe stressed the importance of producing high-quality tea, explaining that premium-quality tea—defined by the classic two leaves and a bud—commands higher returns in global markets.

“My Ministry will work closely with county governments to enhance agricultural extension services, ensuring better support for farmers,” CS Kagwe announced.

The CS also revealed an ongoing initiative to train agripreneurs who will conduct farm visits to advise farmers on soil health, crop management, good farming practices, optimal use of inputs, and value addition techniques.

The event was attended by Kericho County Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, PS of the State Department for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, TBK Chairman Ndung’u Gathinji, KTDA Vice Chair Erick Chepkwony, KTDA CEO Wilson Muthaura, TBK CEO Willy Mutai, County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo, and Kericho Agriculture CEC Magerer Langat.