According to the Kenya Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), tea exports increased by 19 percent in the first quarter of 2024, boosted by increased shipment to key markets.

In a report released on Wednesday by the Board, exports increased to 155.8 million , up from 131.1 million kg posted in January-March 2023.

 The increase was attributed to rising demand in traditional and emerging markets.

“Traditional markets recorded increased imports for Kenya tea. Notably, Chad emerged as a key market, recording a consistent increase in exports from Kenya.”

Overall, Pakistan was the top destination for Kenyan tea, importing 50.8 million kg in the first quarter, up from 39.3 million kg recorded in the same period in 2023.

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Other top buyers were Britain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

Kenya’s total tea export volume rose from 450.33 million kg in 2022 to 522.92 million kg in 2023. It earned 180.57 billion shillings from tea in 2023, an increase from 950 million dollars the previous year.

“These are the best earnings ever recorded by the tea industry over the years,” said Willy Mutai, the TBK chief executive officer.

Tea is one of Kenya’s main foreign exchange earners, alongside tourism and horticulture.