Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Tea Board Of Kenya Willy K. Mutai (Centre) Speaking during a media sensitization forum
Nairobi, May 13, 2026 – The Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) has defended the newly introduced Tea Levy Regulations 2026, describing them as a major step towards improving infrastructure in tea-growing regions, strengthening accountability within the tea value chain, and positioning Kenya’s tea industry for greater competitiveness in the global market.
Speaking during a media sensitization forum attended by editors, business journalists, reporters, Chief Executive Officer Tea Board Of Kenya Willy K. Mutai said the reforms are intended to secure the long-term sustainability and profitability of a sector that remains one of Kenya’s biggest economic pillars.
Mutai noted that the tea industry continues to support millions of livelihoods directly and indirectly, while also contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings and rural economic development.
He said the Tea Levy Regulations 2026 provide a clear legal framework for the collection and utilization of tea levies, with the funds expected to support infrastructure projects in tea-growing areas across the country.
According to the Tea Board of Kenya CEO, improving infrastructure remains critical in enhancing tea production, reducing transportation challenges, and ensuring farmers and factories can access markets more efficiently.
He explained that part of the levy funds will be directed towards improving tea access roads, tea collection centers, and other infrastructure that directly supports tea farming and transportation.
“For many years, infrastructure challenges in tea-growing regions have affected the smooth transportation of tea from farms to factories and markets. These reforms are intended to address some of those long-standing gaps while strengthening the overall efficiency of the tea value chain,” said Mutai.
He added that the regulations are also aimed at promoting fairness, accountability, and proper management within the sector while enhancing Kenya’s standing as one of the world’s leading tea producers and exporters.
Kenya remains among the largest exporters of black tea globally, with the crop serving as a major source of income for smallholder farmers and plantation workers across several counties, including Kericho, Bomet, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nandi, Kisii, and parts of Eastern Kenya.
Mutai observed that sustaining the industry will require reforms that not only improve production and market access but also build confidence among investors and stakeholders in the tea value chain.
He emphasized that the successful implementation of the Tea Levy Regulations 2026 will largely depend on public understanding and stakeholder awareness, which is why the Tea Board of Kenya engaged the media in the sensitization forum.
“The role of the media is extremely important because journalists help the public, farmers, traders, factories, and investors understand the purpose of these reforms and how they are expected to benefit the sector,” he said.
Mutai further urged journalists to continue providing factual, balanced, and professional reporting on developments within the tea industry to help reduce misinformation and encourage informed public discourse.
He said the engagement was organized to explain the objectives of the new levy regulations, operational procedures, compliance requirements, and the expected benefits to the tea sector and the economy at large.
The Tea Board of Kenya also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and regular stakeholder engagement as part of efforts to ensure smooth implementation of the reforms.
Mutai described the media as a strategic partner in promoting awareness on tea matters and supporting national conversations around agricultural reforms, export growth, and economic transformation.
He noted that the board plans to strengthen collaboration with media houses through regular briefings, timely access to information, and continuous dialogue on sector developments and opportunities.
The CEO said Kenya’s tea industry is currently operating in a highly competitive global environment, making it necessary for the country to continuously improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability in order to maintain its position in international markets.
He added that the government is also keen on supporting value addition and increasing earnings from tea exports as part of broader efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and create more jobs.
At the same time, Mutai encouraged journalists and stakeholders to continue telling the positive story of Kenyan tea, noting that the crop remains one of the country’s strongest global brands.
“Kenya tea remains one of the best teas in the world. Through strong partnerships, sound regulation, and informed communication, we can collectively safeguard and grow this important national asset,” he said.
Industry players have in recent years raised concerns over poor road networks in some tea-growing regions, high transportation costs, market access challenges, and the need for more efficient management systems within the tea sector.
The Tea Levy Regulations 2026 are therefore expected to play a major role in addressing some of these challenges while supporting the modernization of the tea industry.
The reforms come at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to strengthen key agricultural value chains, increase export earnings, and improve farmer incomes through policy reforms and infrastructure development.
If effectively implemented, stakeholders believe the regulations could help improve efficiency within the tea value chain, strengthen investor confidence, and ultimately deliver better returns for tea farmers across the country.
