As Kenya continues to strengthen its position in the global tea market, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization – Tea Research Institute (KALRO–TRI) is playing a key role in promoting climate-smart technologies, sustainability, and value addition within the tea sector.
During the International Tea Day celebrations held at Momul Tea Factory, the institute showcased a range of innovative solutions aimed at improving tea productivity, enhancing climate resilience, and expanding market opportunities for Kenyan tea products.
The event, organized by the Tea Board of Kenya, brought together government officials, tea stakeholders, researchers, farmers, financial institutions, and development partners to discuss the future of the tea industry and the importance of sustainable production practices.
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe emphasized the need for Kenya to focus on local processing and branding of agricultural products instead of exporting raw produce. He noted that value addition can create employment opportunities for young people, increase farmer incomes, and improve the competitiveness of Kenyan tea in international markets.
Under the leadership of Institute Director Lilian Kerio, KALRO–TRI highlighted several research-driven technologies designed to support sustainable tea farming. Among the innovations presented were environmentally friendly biological pest management technologies that use repellants and attractants to control pests while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
The institute also showcased elite climate-smart tea varieties developed to withstand changing weather conditions while maintaining high yields and quality standards. In addition, KALRO–TRI demonstrated the growing potential of value-added and specialty tea products such as green tea, purple tea, white tea, yellow tea, silver tea, and kombucha tea, which continue to attract interest in premium and wellness markets.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen tea production, the institute continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to support farmers with quality planting materials and modern farming technologies aimed at improving productivity and resilience.
The celebrations further highlighted collaborative efforts across the tea value chain to build a more sustainable and competitive tea industry. Stakeholders including Kenya Tea Development Agency, Ketepa, Fairtrade International, Rainforest Alliance, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, SACCOs, and financial institutions also showcased innovations and services supporting tea farmers and the broader industry.
KALRO–TRI’s participation reaffirmed its role in advancing research, innovation, climate resilience, and value addition to support the long-term sustainability and profitability of Kenya’s tea sector.
