The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Andrew Karanja, Friday made a significant visit to key tea warehouses in Mombasa to evaluate the ongoing progress in tea sales.
The visit comes amidst a notable surge in tea production this year, driven by favourable weather conditions and a government-backed fertilizer subsidy, which has led to a 30 per cent increase in production compared to the previous year.
Dr. Karanja’s tour included stops at warehouses owned by KTDA Holdings in Miritini and Changamwe, as well as leased warehouses in Mengo, Mombasa.
The visit was part of the ministry’s broader efforts to ensure that the increased tea production is efficiently managed and that the benefits reach the smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the industry.
Accompanying Dr. Karanja were prominent figures in the tea industry, including KTDA Chairman Wilson Muthaura, Tea Board of Kenya Managing Director Willy Mutai, and KTDA Management Services Managing Director Collins Bett.
Their presence underscored the importance of the visit and the collaborative efforts being made to boost the sector.
The CS also took the opportunity to interact with warehouse staff and inspect the facilities, ensuring that the storage conditions meet the required standards to maintain the quality of tea before it reaches the market.
The visit by Dr. Karanja highlights the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, which remains a vital part of Kenya’s economy.
