Tea rakes in Sh120b on higher volumes

Ann Wairimu delivers green tea leaves at Mukarara Tea Buying Centre (PHOTO: Kibata Kihu)

Kenya’s earnings from tea exports grew marginally last year on account of higher volumes despite the harsh impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy.

New data from the Tea Directorate shows earnings reached Sh120 billion in the 12 months to December 2020 compared to Sh119 billion in 2019. The sector remained a key foreign exchange earner for the country last year after the tourism sector suffered a major hit from the coronavirus pandemic, with many of the operators being forced to lay off workers or close down altogether.