NYERI, Kenya, May 2 – Kenya Tea Management Services (KTMS) has assured tea farmers that consignments previously held at the Port of Mombasa are now being sold in international markets following the government’s decision to lift the ban on direct overseas tea sales.
Speaking during the launch of Kiarithanini Tea Buying Centre in Mathira, KTMS Chairman Solomon Maina said the backlog of tea has been cleared and that there is no cause for alarm among farmers.
“It’s true that some tea had been held at the port from last year due to the government ban on direct exports. But this has now been reversed, and most of the tea has already been sold. There is no need for panic,” Maina said.
His remarks come amid growing concern among farmers over reports that large consignments of unsold tea were accumulating at the port, raising fears of financial losses.
Maina added that with the reopening of direct overseas sales, demand has improved and farmers can now expect better prices for their produce.
He, however, warned that this year’s crop volume may decline due to inadequate rainfall in December and April.
“Tea volumes could be lower than last year because of poor rains, but the reduced supply may lead to higher prices. The tea we are receiving is in demand, and farmers are likely to benefit from better returns,” he said.
He also urged farmers to maintain high standards in tea quality to ensure they fetch premium prices in international markets.
Farmers in Kiarithanini welcomed the opening of the new tea buying centre, saying it would ease transport challenges and improve the freshness and quality of their deliveries.
