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Kenya and China are deepening their tea trade relations through strategic partnerships and infrastructure developments aimed at expanding Kenyan tea access to the Chinese market.
China-Kenya Tea Trade Centre Launched
In May 2024, the China-Kenya Tea Trade Centre was officially inaugurated in Shanghai. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi highlighted the significance of the centre in enhancing bilateral trade and supporting over 750,000 Kenyan tea farmers. The centre aims to facilitate the export of at least 5 million kilograms of tea annually to China within the next three years.
Partnerships for Value Addition and Export.
Kenyan tea manufacturers are collaborating with Chinese firms to improve tea quality and expand exports. Notably, an agreement between Zonken Food and Agriculture Ltd and Njeru Industries Ltd focuses on enhancing value addition and export of tea to overseas markets .
Infrastructure and Policy Support
The Kenyan government is also investing in infrastructure to support tea trade. Discussions during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) included plans to expand Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway and construct rural roads, improving connectivity for tea producers.
These initiatives reflect a concerted effort by both nations to enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan tea in the global market, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
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