Kenya’s tea production declined by 4.5 per cent in August 2025 to 36.87 million kgs, down from 38.6 million kgs recorded during the same period in 2024.

The decline is attributed to prolonged dry and cold weather conditions, as well as reduced rainfall across major tea-growing regions.

Specialty tea output for the month stood at 1.187 million kgs, representing 3.2 per cent of total production, mainly dominated by orthodox teas from plantations and independent processors, with smaller quantities of green and purple tea produced by cottage factories.

Annual output is projected at 553 million kgs significantly lower than the 594 million kgs recorded in 2024 and the 570 million kgs achieved in 2023, owing to continued depressed rainfall expected in the final quarter of the year.

At the Mombasa auction, 22.86 million kgs of Kenyan tea were sold in August, a decrease from the 25.11 million kgs sold during the same month last year.

The weighted average monthly auction price was slightly lower at US$2.14 per kg, compared to US$2.20 last year, though marginally higher than the US$2.05 recorded in July. Premium CTC leaf and Dust grades with superior brightness and appearance fetched better prices.

Tea exports fell from 55.57 million kgs in July to 52.23 million in August, shipped to 59 markets. Local consumption also dipped to 2.96 million kgs, down from 3.28 million kgs last year.

Source: Africa Business News (Extracts), Courtesy: Tea Exporters’ Association Sri Lanka