Tea Farming In Kenya. A Complete Guide

Tea farming is one of the most significant agricultural activities in Kenya, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. The country is the largest tea exporter in the world, with tea farming supporting millions of small-scale farmers and providing employment opportunities in the rural areas. This article explores the details of tea farming in Kenya, including the history, cultivation, processing, marketing, challenges, and opportunities.

History of Tea Farming in Kenya:

Tea farming in Kenya began in the early 1900s, with the introduction of tea seeds from India by the colonial government. The first commercial tea farm was established in 1924, and tea farming quickly spread to other parts of the country. Today, tea farming is a significant agricultural activity, with over 170,000 small-scale farmers and large tea estates producing over 400 million kilograms of tea annually.

Suitable Regions For Tea Farming In Kenya

Tea farming is suitable in areas with the right climatic conditions, soil, and altitude. In Kenya, the following regions are considered suitable for tea farming:

1. The Highlands of Rift Valley: This region includes areas such as Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, and Nakuru. The altitude ranges from 1,500 to 2,700 meters above sea level, and the rainfall is between 1,200 and 2,000 mm per year. The soils are well-drained and fertile, which provides ideal conditions for tea farming.
2. The Mount Kenya region: This region includes areas such as Nyeri, Kiambu, and Kirinyaga. The altitude ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 meters above sea level, and the rainfall is between 1,000 and 1,500 mm per year. The soils are deep and well-drained, which provide ideal conditions for tea farming.
3. The Kisii highlands: This region includes areas such as Kisii, Nyamira, and Bomet. The altitude ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level, and the rainfall is between 1,500 and 2,500 mm per year. The soils are fertile, well-drained, and rich in organic matter, which provides ideal conditions for tea farming.
4. The Aberdare ranges: This region includes areas such as Muranga, Nyeri, and Kiambu. The altitude ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 meters above sea level, and the rainfall is between 1,500 and 2,500 mm per year. The soils are deep, well-drained, and rich in organic matter, which provides ideal conditions for tea farming.
5. The highlands of Western Kenya: This region includes areas such as Kakamega, Bungoma, and Vihiga. The altitude ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level, and the rainfall is between 1,500 and 2,500 mm per year. The soils are fertile, well-drained, and rich in organic matter, which provides ideal conditions for tea farming.

These regions have the ideal conditions for tea farming, but it is important to note that not all areas within these regions are suitable for tea farming. Before starting a tea farm, it is essential to conduct a soil test, analyze the climatic conditions, and determine the suitability of the land.

Cultivation of Tea in Kenya:

Tea is grown in high altitude areas with fertile soils and a cool climate, which provide ideal conditions for tea cultivation. The main tea-growing regions in Kenya include the highlands of Rift Valley, Mount Kenya, and the Aberdare ranges. Tea is grown using two main cultivation methods, the monoculture and intercropping methods. The monoculture method involves growing tea as a sole crop, while the intercropping method involves growing tea alongside other crops such as maize and beans.

Suitable Conditions For Tea Farming In Kenya

Kenya is one of the world’s leading tea producers and exporters, thanks to its favorable climatic conditions and fertile soils. Here are the suitable conditions for tea farming in Kenya:

1. Altitude: Tea grows best at high altitudes, typically between 1,500 and 2,700 meters above sea level. In Kenya, the most suitable areas for tea cultivation are found on the highlands of the Rift Valley, the Aberdare Range, and the Mount Kenya region.
2. Climate: Tea grows well in areas with a warm and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 27 degrees Celsius. The annual rainfall should be between 1,000 to 2,500 mm, well-distributed throughout the year. In Kenya, the tea-growing regions receive abundant rainfall, with two rainy seasons between March to May and October to December.
3. Soil: Tea requires well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. In Kenya, the best soils for tea farming are deep, fertile volcanic soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 4.5 to 5.5, slightly acidic.
4. Sunlight: Tea requires a good amount of sunlight to grow and thrive. In Kenya, tea bushes are usually planted on the eastern and southern slopes of hills and mountains to maximize exposure to sunlight.
5. Topography: Tea grows best on sloping terrain, where there is good drainage and air circulation. In Kenya, the tea plantations are typically located on rolling hills and mountainsides, which also helps to reduce the risk of soil erosion.
6. Availability of labor: Tea farming is labor-intensive, requiring a significant workforce to pluck and process the tea leaves. In Kenya, there is a ready and willing labor force, including smallholder farmers who grow tea on their small plots of land.

In conclusion, Kenya provides suitable conditions for tea farming, with its high altitude, warm and humid climate, fertile soils, abundant rainfall, and sloping terrain. These favorable conditions have made Kenya one of the leading tea producers and exporters in the world.

Plant Density And Spacing

Plant density and spacing are critical factors in tea farming that can have a significant impact on the overall yield and quality of the tea. The ideal plant density and spacing will depend on several factors such as the variety of tea being grown, the soil type, the climate, and the topography of the land.

In general, the recommended plant density for tea farming is between 10,000 to 20,000 plants per hectare. A higher plant density will result in a higher yield, but it may also lead to overcrowding, which can increase the risk of diseases and pests. A lower plant density may result in lower yields but may also reduce the risk of disease and pest infestations.

The spacing between tea plants should also be carefully considered. The recommended spacing between tea plants is between 1.2 to 1.5 meters in both directions. This spacing ensures that each plant has enough space to grow and access nutrients and sunlight.

In addition to plant density and spacing, other factors that can affect tea yield and quality include soil fertility, irrigation, pruning, and pest and disease management. It is essential to work with experts in tea farming to determine the ideal plant density and spacing for your specific farm, based on the factors mentioned above, and to implement best practices for optimal tea production.

Planting and Maintenance of Tea Farms:

Tea is planted as seedlings, which are raised in nurseries before being transplanted to the main fields. The seedlings take about two years to mature before they start producing tea leaves. Tea farms require regular maintenance, including pruning, weeding, and fertilizer application. Proper management practices such as pest and disease control, irrigation, and soil conservation are crucial for maintaining high tea yields.

Processing of Tea in Kenya:

Tea processing in Kenya involves four main stages, including withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. The process starts with the plucking of tea leaves, which are then spread out to wither in the sun or in withering troughs for several hours. The withered leaves are then rolled to break the cell walls and release the enzymes that initiate fermentation. The fermented tea leaves are then dried using hot air before being sorted and packaged for distribution.

Varieties Of Tea In Kenya

Kenya is known for producing some of the best quality tea in the world. The country mainly cultivates three main varieties of tea, each with its unique taste, aroma, and health benefits:

1. Black tea: Black tea is the most common type of tea produced in Kenya, accounting for over 95% of the country’s tea exports. It is made from fully oxidized tea leaves, giving it a robust flavor and dark color. Some popular black tea varieties grown in Kenya include:

• KTDA (Kenya Tea Development Agency) Blend: This is the most common variety of tea grown in Kenya. It has a strong, robust flavor, and is often used in blends.
• BP1 (Broken Pekoe 1): BP1 is a high-grade black tea, characterized by its small, tightly rolled leaves. It has a strong, full-bodied flavor, and is popular in tea blends.
• PF1 (Pekoe Fannings 1): PF1 is a lower grade black tea, characterized by its small, broken leaves. It has a milder flavor compared to BP1 and is often used in tea bags.

2. Green tea: Green tea is a relatively new crop in Kenya, accounting for less than 1% of the country’s tea production. It is unoxidized, meaning it retains more of the natural plant compounds and antioxidants. Some popular green tea varieties grown in Kenya include:

• Purple tea: This is a unique variety of green tea grown in Kenya, characterized by its purple leaves. It has a sweet, fruity flavor and is known for its high levels of antioxidants.
• Green tea (Japan type): This is a high-quality green tea variety, characterized by its tightly rolled leaves and grassy flavor. It is often used in tea blends and is popular in Japan.

3. Specialty teas: Specialty teas are teas that are processed differently from the traditional black and green teas. They include:

• White tea: This is a rare and expensive variety of tea, characterized by its delicate flavor and pale color. It is made from young tea leaves and buds that are picked before they are fully opened.
• Oolong tea: This is a semi-oxidized tea, characterized by its complex flavor and aroma. It is often described as being between green and black tea in terms of taste.

Overall, Kenya’s tea industry is primarily focused on producing high-quality black tea for export, but there is growing interest in green tea and specialty teas. The country’s tea industry is regulated by the Tea Board of Kenya, which ensures that quality standards are met and promotes the interests of tea farmers.

Marketing of Tea in Kenya:

Tea is mainly marketed through the Mombasa auction, where tea brokers sell the tea to buyers from all over the world. The auction system is transparent and competitive, ensuring that farmers get a fair price for their tea. The tea industry is regulated by the Tea Board of Kenya, which ensures that quality standards are met and promotes the interests of tea farmers.

Challenges Facing Tea Farming in Kenya:

Despite being a significant agricultural activity, tea farming in Kenya faces several challenges, including:

1. Climate change, which has led to erratic weather patterns, affecting tea yields and quality.
2. Pests and diseases, which can cause significant crop losses if not managed properly.
3. Lack of access to credit and financial services, which limits the ability of small-scale farmers to invest in their farms.
4. Poor infrastructure, which makes it difficult to transport tea from the farms to the markets.
5. Fluctuating tea prices, which can affect the income of tea farmers and the profitability of the industry.

Opportunities in Tea Farming in Kenya:

Despite the challenges, there are several opportunities for tea farming in Kenya, including:

1. Expansion of tea production to new regions and countries, which can increase the global tea supply and demand.
2. Adoption of new technologies such as precision farming, which can improve tea yields and quality.
3. Diversification of tea products, such as flavored and specialty teas, which can increase the value of tea and create new markets.
4. Promotion of sustainable tea farming practices, such as organic and fair trade tea production, which can increase the demand for Kenyan tea in international markets.
5. Improvement of infrastructure, including roads, railways, and ports, which can make it easier and more cost-effective to transport tea from the farms to the markets. 

Profitability Of Tea Farming In Kenya

Tea farming is one of the most profitable agricultural ventures in Kenya, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. Here are some factors that make tea farming profitable in Kenya:

1. High demand: Kenya is one of the leading exporters of tea in the world, with a reputation for producing high-quality tea. The global demand for tea is consistently high, providing a stable market for Kenyan tea farmers.
2. Favorable climatic conditions: As discussed earlier, Kenya’s favorable climatic conditions, including high altitude, ample rainfall, and warm temperatures, are ideal for tea farming. These conditions help to ensure consistent tea yields and quality.
3. Modern production methods: Tea farmers in Kenya have adopted modern production methods, including mechanization, irrigation, and the use of high-yielding tea varieties. This has helped to increase productivity and improve the quality of the tea.
4. Efficient supply chain: Kenya has a well-established tea industry, with efficient supply chains from the farms to the factories and the final consumers. This helps to ensure that the tea farmers receive fair prices for their produce, and the end consumers get high-quality tea.
5. Government support: The Kenyan government provides various forms of support to tea farmers, including subsidies, extension services, and access to credit facilities. This support helps to reduce the cost of production, increase productivity, and improve the profitability of tea farming.
6. Diversification: Many tea farmers in Kenya have diversified their operations by growing other crops, such as avocados, macadamia nuts, and dairy farming. This diversification helps to spread the risks and provide alternative sources of income.

Tea farming is highly profitable in Kenya, thanks to the high demand, favorable climatic conditions, modern production methods, efficient supply chain, government support, and diversification. However, tea farming also requires significant investment in terms of labor, capital, and land. Therefore, tea farmers need to adopt efficient production methods, embrace technology, and explore new markets to remain profitable in the long run.

Costs Involved On Tea Farming In Kenya

The costs involved in tea farming in Kenya can vary depending on various factors, such as the size of the farm, location, and production methods used. However, here are some estimated costs of tea farming in Kenya:

1. Land preparation: The cost of land preparation can range from Ksh. 45,000 to Ksh. 200,000  per acre, depending on the method used.
2. Seedlings: The cost of tea seedlings can range from Ksh. 60 to Ksh. 150 per seedling, depending on the variety and quantity required. On average, a tea farm may require about 2,000 seedlings per acre.
3. Labor costs: Labor costs vary depending on the location and availability of labor. In rural areas, labor costs can range from Ksh. 600 to Ksh. 1,500 per day. For a medium-sized tea farm, the labor cost can be Ksh. 750,000 to Ksh. 1,500,000 per year.
4. Fertilizers and pesticides: The cost of fertilizers and pesticides can range from Ksh. 20,000 to Ksh. 75,000 per acre, depending on the brand, quantity, and method of application.
5. Irrigation: The cost of irrigation systems can range from Ksh. 50,000 to Ksh. 500,000 per acre, depending on the size of the farm, the water source, and the method of irrigation.
6. Processing: The cost of tea processing depends on the quantity and quality of tea produced. On average, it can cost about Ksh. 15 to Ksh. 50 per kilogram of processed tea.
7. Marketing: Marketing costs vary depending on the method used. On average, marketing costs can range from Ksh. 15 to Ksh. 40 per kilogram of tea.

It is important to note that these are estimated costs, and they can vary depending on various factors. Additionally, tea farming requires ongoing investments in terms of maintenance, replacements, and upgrades of equipment and infrastructure.

Conclusion:

Tea farming is a significant agricultural activity in Kenya, providing employment opportunities and supporting the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers. Despite facing several challenges, such as climate change, pests and diseases, and poor infrastructure, there are several opportunities for tea farming in Kenya, including expansion of production, adoption of new technologies, diversification of products, promotion of sustainable farming practices, and improvement of infrastructure. With the right policies, investments, and support, tea farming in Kenya can continue to contribute significantly to the country’s economy and development.