Kenya: Brewing Trends - Analysis of Kenya's Tea Industry

Tea plays a vital role in Kenya's economy. It is the leading export commodity at 16.3 percent of total exports, and ranks as the second top source of foreign exchange in the country. The industry supports the livelihoods of over 7 million people, both directly and indirectly, and accounted for about 1.2 percent of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024. Over the past six years, Kenya produced an average of 2.44 million metric tons (MT) of green tea, with 440.5 MT being exported annually. The remaining tea is processed with 94 percent being exported, while only 6 percent is consumed domestically. Tea cultivation takes place exclusively in the highland regions, at elevations between 1,500 and 2,300 meters (4,922 - 7,546 ft.) above sea level, where favorable climatic conditions support year-round production.