Kenya is one of the largest producers of tea in the world, and its tea industry is a major contributor to the country’s economy. With ideal climate conditions and volcanic red soils, the tea growing regions in Kenya are known for producing high-quality tea. If you’re interested in tea farming in Kenya, there are some key factors to consider.
Firstly, it’s important to choose the right location. Tea grows best in high-altitude areas with well-distributed rainfall and temperatures between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius. The soil should also be rich in nutrients, which can be replenished through regular fertilization. In addition, it’s important to take into account the availability of labor and infrastructure, as tea farming requires significant investment in both.
Once you’ve selected a suitable location, the next step is to choose the right tea variety to grow. There are several types of tea that can be grown in Kenya, including black tea, green tea, and purple tea. Each variety has different growing requirements and yields, so it’s important to research and choose the variety that best fits your needs and resources. With the right location and tea variety, you can begin your journey towards growing high-quality tea in Kenya.
Climate and Soil Requirements
Tea production is highly dependent on the climate and soil conditions. Kenya’s unique location near the equator provides an ideal climate for tea growth. Here are the climate and soil requirements for growing tea in Kenya:
| Climate | Soil |
|---|---|
| Temperature between 21 and 29 | Acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5 |
| Cool to warm temperatures with at least 5 hours of sunlight per day | Free-draining, loamy, and rich soil |
| Mean annual temperature during the growing season between 18 and 21 | Compost added to soil before planting |
| Humidity and rainfall during the growing season |
Tea plants require a cool to warm climate with a mean annual temperature during the growing season between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. They also need at least 5 hours of sunlight per day. Humidity and rainfall during the growing season are also important for tea growth. Kenya’s high altitude and proximity to the equator provide an ideal climate for tea production.
Soil is another critical factor for tea growth. Tea plants prefer acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. They need to grow in soil that is free-draining, loamy, and rich. Adding compost to the soil before planting can help improve soil quality. Many tea farmers in Kenya grow tea in pots to better control the drainage and acid levels.
Overall, tea production in Kenya requires a specific climate and soil conditions. By providing the ideal growing conditions, Kenyan tea farmers can ensure that their tea is of the highest quality.
Also Read: Tea Farming Trends in Kenya
Choosing the Right Tea Varieties
When it comes to growing tea in Kenya, choosing the right tea varieties is crucial for success. There are several tea varieties that are commonly grown in Kenya, each with its own unique characteristics and growing requirements. Here are some of the most popular tea varieties and what you need to know about growing them:
Assam Tea
Assam tea is a popular variety of black tea that is known for its strong, malty flavor. This tea variety is well-suited for growing in the lowlands of Kenya and is typically harvested between June and August. Assam tea plants require well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to choose a location that gets plenty of sun throughout the day.
Ceylon Tea
Ceylon tea is another popular black tea variety that is grown in Kenya. This tea is known for its bright, citrusy flavor and is typically harvested between January and March. Ceylon tea plants require a slightly cooler climate than Assam tea plants, so it is best to grow them at higher elevations where temperatures are cooler.
Green Tea
Green tea is a popular variety of tea that is known for its health benefits and delicate flavor. There are several different varieties of green tea that can be grown in Kenya, including Sencha and Matcha. Green tea plants require well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, but they are more sensitive to heat and cold than black tea plants.
When choosing the right tea varieties for your Kenyan tea farm, it is important to consider factors such as soil type, climate, and elevation. By selecting the right tea varieties and providing them with the right growing conditions, you can produce high-quality tea that is sure to impress.
Planting and Maintenance
When planting tea, it is important to select vigorously growing bushes for cuttings or acquire from a well-known source like Kangaita Farm or the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya. Sleeved rooted cuttings or clonal plants, and seedlings are the best options for planting. The best time to plant tea is during the rainy season when the soil is moist and fertile. Tea plants require well-draining soils with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 for optimal growth.
During the first year of growth, it is important to keep the soil moist and weed-free. Mulching is an effective method of retaining soil moisture and suppressing weeds. The tea bushes should be pruned regularly to encourage bushy growth and to prevent overcrowding. Pruning should be done during the dry season to minimize the risk of infection by fungal diseases.
Fertilizer application is important in maintaining the health and productivity of the tea bushes. The type of fertilizer and the frequency of application depend on the soil type and the age of the tea bushes. A soil analysis can help determine the appropriate fertilizer and application rates. It is important to apply fertilizer evenly and to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to leaf burn and reduced yield.
Harvesting and Processing
Harvesting of tea leaves in Kenya is done by hand picking. The timing of the harvest depends on the weather and the type of tea being produced. The first flush, which is the first harvest of the year, is usually picked between February and March. The second flush is picked between June and July, and the third flush is picked between October and November. The tea leaves are picked by skilled workers who pick only the two leaves and a bud, which are the youngest and most tender leaves on the tea plant.
After harvesting, the tea leaves are transported to the processing factory where they undergo several stages of processing. The first stage is withering, where the leaves are spread out to dry for several hours to reduce their moisture content. The second stage is rolling, where the withered leaves are rolled to break their cell walls and release their juices. The third stage is oxidation, where the rolled leaves are spread out to react with oxygen in the air to develop their flavor and aroma. The fourth stage is firing, where the oxidized leaves are heated to stop the oxidation process and dry them. The final stage is sorting and packaging, where the dried tea leaves are sorted into different grades based on their size and quality and packaged for distribution.
It is important to note that the quality of tea depends on the skill of the workers and the quality of the tea leaves. Therefore, it is important to use only the best quality tea leaves and to employ skilled workers who understand the intricacies of tea processing.
Also Read: Impact Of Mechanization In Tea Farming In Kenya
Marketing and Sales
Marketing and sales are crucial components of any successful tea growing business in Kenya. It is important to have a clear understanding of the market demand and consumer preferences to ensure that the tea produced is of the right quality and quantity to meet the market demand. The Kenyan tea market is diverse, and there are different types of teas produced, including black tea, green tea, and specialty teas.
One effective way to market tea in Kenya is through direct sales to consumers. This can be done through local farmers’ markets or online marketplaces. It is also important to establish relationships with tea brokers and buyers who can help to connect the tea grower with potential buyers. In addition, participating in tea auctions is another way to market tea and connect with potential buyers.
Another important aspect of marketing and sales is branding. Developing a unique brand identity can help to differentiate the tea grower from competitors and create a loyal customer base. This can be achieved through the use of high-quality packaging, labeling, and advertising campaigns. It is also important to ensure that the tea is of consistent quality and flavor to maintain customer loyalty.
Finally, it is important to keep up with market trends and changing consumer preferences. For example, there is a growing demand for organic and sustainably grown teas, and tea growers in Kenya can capitalize on this trend by adopting sustainable farming practices and obtaining organic certifications. In addition, there is a growing interest in specialty teas, such as herbal and fruit-infused teas, which can provide an opportunity for tea growers to diversify their product offerings.
Sources: Kalunda, Elizabeth. “Financial inclusion impact on small-scale tea farmers in Nyeri County, Kenya.” World Journal of Social Sciences 4.1 (2014): 130-139. Link: https://www.academia.edu/download/31171938/601-Elizabeth_conference_proceedings.pdf
Mwaura, Francis, and Ogise Muku. “Tea farming enterprise contribution to smallholders’ well being in kenya.” (2007). Link: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/39131
