Kagwe orders tea factories to reject poor-quality green leaf

Kenyan Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has instructed tea factories to discard subpar green tea leaves supplied by farmers who do not comply with the "two leaves and a bud" quality standard. Addressing a public forum on August 14, 2026, Kagwe stated the measure was essential to safeguard Kenya's tea quality and ensure farmers reap benefits from modernization efforts.

The directive comes as the government launches a Ksh7.1 billion initiative aimed at enhancing tea quality, cutting production costs, and boosting farmer earnings. Kagwe cautioned that investing in advanced machinery would yield limited returns if factories continued processing inferior green leaf, which fetches lower prices in global markets.

"Even with the best machinery and the most efficient processes, if we receive low-quality tea, the prices will not improve," Kagwe emphasized. He appealed to both farmers and tea pickers to collaborate in delivering only high-quality leaf to factories. "I urge everyone to understand that when farmers hand over green leaves, they must ensure they are two leaves and a bud," he added.

The government's strategy involves combining factory modernization with improved green-leaf quality, expanding the production of orthodox and specialty teas, and enhancing value addition. Kagwe believes that improving production efficiency and tea quality will enable Kenya to compete more effectively in international markets. His ultimate aim is to ensure Kenyan tea commands premium prices globally, leading to higher farmer earnings and increased bonuses.

The government has been pressing for sector reforms due to concerns over low returns to growers and the need to boost Kenya's competitiveness in the global tea trade. The modernization program will facilitate factories in upgrading equipment and production methods while supporting efforts to improve the quality of tea supplied by farmers.