The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization Tea Research Institute (KALRO-TRI) participated in the Youth Tea Festival held on April 17, 2026, at the University of Kabianga. The event was hosted by the Tea Board of Kenya under the theme “Fostering Growth and Inclusion.” The festival brought together youth, students, farmers, and stakeholders from across the tea value chain. The goal was to promote innovation, mentorship, and entrepreneurship within Kenya’s tea sector.

Youth Tea Festival in Kenya at Kabianga Brings Together Farmers and Students to Promote Innovation in Tea Sector

The event was graced by the Tea Board of Kenya Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Willy Mutai, as Guest of Honour. Also present was the Tea Board of Kenya Chairman, Mr. Ndung’u Gathinji. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Kabianga, Prof. Eric Koech, attended alongside the KALRO-TRI Institute Director, Ms. Lilian Kerio. Other senior leaders from government, academia, and the tea industry were also in attendance. Their presence highlighted strong collaboration between institutions in advancing youth inclusion, innovation, and transformation of the tea value chain.

The youth tea festival Kenya Kabianga provided a platform for young people to learn about opportunities in the tea industry. Many young Kenyans view agriculture as a last resort. Events like this festival aim to change that perception. They show that tea farming and processing can be profitable and innovative careers.

KALRO-TRI experts led dynamic mentorship and innovation sessions during the festival. These sessions focused on career pathways, value addition, and sustainable tea production systems. The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Richard Chalo Koech, the Deputy Institute Director. Other facilitators included Dr. Ochanda, Mr. Henric Ruto, Mr. Sigei, and Ms. Mercy Cherotich. They engaged participants on emerging opportunities in tea research, agribusiness, and enterprise development.

The experts shared knowledge about different career paths within the tea sector. They explained that tea is not just about farming. It includes research, marketing, processing, and product development. Young people can build careers in any of these areas. The mentors also discussed the importance of value addition. Processing tea into finished products generates more income than selling raw leaves.

The youth tea festival Kenya Kabianga also addressed the challenges facing young people in agriculture. Limited access to land, capital, and markets were discussed. The experts encouraged students to form cooperatives and seek mentorship from established farmers. They also highlighted government programs that support young agripreneurs.

A vibrant exhibition showcased KALRO-TRI innovations at the festival. The display included elite tea varieties and value-added products. Visitors saw purple tea, green tea, specialty orthodox teas, flavored teas, kombucha (fermented tea), and ready-to-use tea products. These products demonstrated research-driven diversification and youth-led agribusiness opportunities.

Purple tea has gained attention for its health benefits. It contains anthocyanins, which are antioxidants also found in blueberries. This variety commands higher prices in export markets. Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that has become popular worldwide. It offers an entry point for young entrepreneurs interested in beverage production.

The exhibition at the youth tea festival Kenya Kabianga showed students what is possible when innovation meets agriculture. Many young people had never seen purple tea or kombucha before. They learned that these products can be made locally and sold in domestic and international markets.

A key highlight of the festival was the symbolic planting of tea seedlings donated by KALRO-TRI. This activity reinforced climate-smart agriculture, environmental stewardship, and sustainable tea production. Students and officials planted seedlings together on the university grounds. This demonstrated their commitment to protecting the environment while producing tea.

Climate change is a major threat to Kenya’s tea industry. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall affect yields and quality. Planting trees helps conserve water, prevent soil erosion, and provide shade for tea plants. The youth tea festival Kenya Kabianga emphasized that young farmers must adopt climate-smart practices to protect the industry for future generations.

The seedlings planted at the event will serve as a reminder of the festival’s message. They will grow alongside the students who planted them. In years to come, these trees will contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable tea sector.

The festival reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Tea Board of Kenya, KALRO-TRI, the University of Kabianga, and other stakeholders. These organizations are working together to empower youth with knowledge, skills, and innovation opportunities. The goal is to build a resilient and inclusive tea industry.

The youth tea festival Kenya Kabianga is part of a broader effort to attract young people to agriculture. The tea sector supports millions of Kenyans, from farmers to factory workers to exporters. But the average age of tea farmers is rising. Young people are needed to take over and bring new ideas.

Events like this festival show students that tea is not just a drink. It is a source of income, a career, and a platform for innovation. With the right support, young Kenyans can transform the tea industry and build successful agribusinesses.

The KALRO-TRI team left the festival encouraged by the enthusiasm of the students. Many expressed interest in starting their own tea businesses or pursuing careers in tea research. The institute plans to follow up with mentorship programs and internship opportunities. The youth tea festival Kenya Kabianga was a success. It planted seeds of knowledge that will grow into a stronger, more inclusive tea industry for Kenya.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/674595661_1262473602758850_184451086696457576_n.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/674595661_1262473602758850_184451086696457576_n-150x150.jpgFarmersTrendFarming NewsThe Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization Tea Research Institute (KALRO-TRI) participated in the Youth Tea Festival held on April 17, 2026, at the University of Kabianga. The event was hosted by the Tea Board of Kenya under the theme 'Fostering Growth and Inclusion.' The festival brought together youth,...New Generation Culture in Agriculture