Why things are looking up for Kenya’s coffee, tea industry

NAIROBI, KENYA: After several disappointing months, farmers and market players are finally seeing marked improvement within the cofee and tea industry. According to Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) Chief Executive Daniel Mbithi, the value of coffee sold at Kenya’s auction climbed 37 per cent to $174.1 million in the year to September, helped by higher global prices and better quality crops.

Tea prices at the Mombasa auction also showed improved and sustained general demand for the 138,269 packages on offer with only 14 per cent remaining unsold. The auction average price was $1.96 from a previous $1.91 in last week’s auction.