14/08/2026
CS Sen. Mutahi Kagwe has directed tea factories to reject green leaf that does not meet the recommended "two leaves and a bud" standard, saying the Government's KSh 7.1B tea factory modernisation programme must be matched by improved tea quality.
Speaking during a visit to Kapsara Tea Factory, where he handed over KSh 44.6M for the installation of a new withering plant, CS Kagwe said Kenya cannot modernise factories while continuing to process substandard green leaf that attracts lower prices in international markets.
He said the Government's strategy is to create a new cycle of growth through modern factories, better-quality green leaf, higher-value orthodox and specialty teas, stronger value addition and diversification into more international markets.