Tea Board of Kenya Defends Tea Levy Regulations 2026 as Key to Sector Growth and Infrastructure Development

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Tea Board of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Willy  Mutai has defended the implementation of the Tea Levy Regulations 2026, describing the reforms as critical to strengthening Kenya’s tea sector, improving infrastructure in tea-growing regions, and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.

Speaking during a sensitization meeting with editors, business journalists, reporters, and tea correspondents from various media houses, Mutai emphasized the importance of accurate and professional reporting in helping stakeholders understand the new levy framework and its intended benefits.

“The tea sector remains one of the most strategic agricultural value chains. It supports millions of livelihoods, contributes significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings, and immensely supports rural economic development,” said Mutai

He noted that the Tea Levy Regulations 2026 provide a clear legal framework for the imposition, collection, and utilization of tea levies aimed at supporting infrastructure development within tea-growing areas.

According to the CEO, the levy will help improve tea roads, tea collection centers, and other infrastructure essential for tea production, transportation, and market access.

Mutahi further stated that the regulations are designed to promote fairness, accountability, and proper management within the tea value chain while positioning Kenyan tea competitively in international markets.

He acknowledged that the success of the reforms depends heavily on public awareness and stakeholder confidence, urging journalists to continue providing factual, balanced, and professional coverage of developments in the tea sector.

“Through factual, balanced, and professional reporting, you help stakeholders understand policy changes and their intended benefits to farmers, factories, traders, and the economy,” he told the media practitioners.

The engagement also aimed at clarifying the objectives of the Tea Levy Regulations 2026, compliance procedures, operational frameworks, and the role of stakeholders in the implementation process.

Mutai assured the media fraternity that the Tea Board of Kenya remains committed to transparency, accountability, and open engagement with stakeholders.

He said the board will continue facilitating timely access to information, regular stakeholder briefings, and constructive dialogue to support public awareness on tea matters, understanding of sector reforms, and promotion of Kenya tea both locally and internationally.

The CEO also called on the media to continue highlighting the positive story of Kenyan tea while encouraging informed public discourse on opportunities and reforms within the industry.
“Kenya tea remains one of the best teas in the world. Through strong partnerships, sound regulation, and informed communication, we can collectively safeguard and grow this important national asset,” Mutai said.
Kenya remains among the world’s leading tea exporters, with the crop serving as a major source of income for millions of farmers and a key contributor to the country’s economy.

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