Our Background
The first legal instrument to govern the production of tea in Kenya was enacted as the Tea Ordinance, 1934 (No. 46 of 1934). This Ordinance was revised by the Tea Ordinance, 1948 (No. 52 of 1948) which became effective on 15th August, 1948. The objectives of the Tea Ordinance, 1948 were to provide for the control of the production of tea in the Colony. The institution of the Directorate of Agriculture was responsible for controlling the production of tea by issuing licences and permits to farmers until 1950 when the Tea Board of Kenya was established under the Tea Act (Cap 343) to regulate the industry.
By the time Africans started planting tea among other cash crops, between 1956 and 1959, European farmers were already experienced in the cultivation of tea. In 1957, the first smallholder tea factory was set up in Ragati, (Nyeri County) and was run through a management agreement with multinational tea companies.
To promote the cultivation of cash crops amongst the smallholder growers, the Special Crops Development Authority (SCDA) was formed under the Agriculture Act in 1960.
Our Core Functions
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- Promote best practices in, and regulate, the production, processing, marketing, grading, storage, collection, transportation and warehousing of tea
- Determine the research priorities in tea and to advise generally on research thereof. This includes establishing linkages with relevant research institutions, including KALRO
- Promote Kenya tea in the local and international markets.
- Conduct market research and information dissemination;
- Promote and advise on strategies for value addition prior to export of tea from Kenya.
- Advise the national government and the county governments on tea fees, levies and other charges for purposes of planning, enhancing harmony and equity in the sector
- Collaborate with local and International stakeholders/partners on tea matters.
- Carry out such other functions as may be assigned by the AFA Act, the Crops Act and any other written law;
