Kenya is one of the world’s largest tea producers, renowned for its premium quality tea that is enjoyed across the globe. With its ideal growing conditions and a rich history in tea production, Kenya is home to many tea manufacturers and factories that export their products worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore the top tea manufacturers/factories in Kenya, their influence on the global market, and delve into some of the trending tea types like green tea, hibiscus tea, matcha, and boba tea. We'll also cover key locations of KTDA factories and their contact details.
Kenya's tea industry is anchored by some of the best tea manufacturers and factories that produce tea for both local and international markets. KTDA (Kenya Tea Development Agency) operates over 66 factories that process and export some of the finest tea. Along with Finlays Tea, Limuru Tea Company, and several independent producers, Kenya plays a vital role in the global tea supply chain.
KTDA is the largest tea producer in Kenya, managing 66 tea factories across the country. These factories are located in regions with favorable climates for tea farming, such as the highlands of Central and Rift Valley. Below is a list of key KTDA factories, their counties, and contact information:
Region | County | Factory Name | Contacts | Email Address |
---|---|---|---|---|
Central Kenya | Nyeri County | Gathuthi Tea Factory | +254 20 2049721 | gathuthi@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Nyeri County | Gitugi Tea Factory | +254 724 295 832 | gitugi@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Nyeri County | Iria-ini Tea Factory | +254 61 203 0316 | iria-ini@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Nyeri County | Ragati Tea Factory | +254 733 714 123 | ragati@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Nyeri County | Chinga Tea Factory | +254 720 506 909 | chinga@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Murang’a County | Kiru Tea Factory | +254 20 202 3186 | kiru@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Murang’a County | Kanyenya-ini Tea Factory | +254 61 203 0242 | kanyenya-ini@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Murang’a County | Gatunguru Tea Factory | +254 720 123 876 | gatunguru@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Murang’a County | Ngere Tea Factory | +254 733 604 223 | ngere@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Murang’a County | Mununga Tea Factory | +254 720 456 789 | mununga@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Kiambu County | Kambaa Tea Factory | +254 20 218 4502 | kambaa@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Kiambu County | Kagwe Tea Factory | +254 733 873 209 | kagwe@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Kiambu County | Gachege Tea Factory | +254 720 203 091 | gachege@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Kirinyaga County | Kangaita Tea Factory | +254 722 123 456 | kangaita@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Kirinyaga County | Kimunye Tea Factory | +254 733 543 098 | kimunye@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Kirinyaga County | Thumaita Tea Factory | +254 720 654 321 | thumaita@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Kirinyaga County | Mununga Tea Factory | +254 735 098 765 | mununga@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Embu County | Kathangariri Tea Factory | +254 61 203 0445 | kathangariri@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Embu County | Mungania Tea Factory | +254 733 111 223 | mungania@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Embu County | Rukuriri Tea Factory | +254 720 998 334 | rukuriri@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Meru County | Imenti Tea Factory | +254 61 203 0311 | imenti@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Meru County | Kionyo Tea Factory | +254 720 303 909 | kionyo@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Meru County | Kinoro Tea Factory | +254 733 567 890 | kinoro@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Meru County | Weru Tea Factory | +254 735 765 123 | weru@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Tharaka-Nithi | Githongo Tea Factory | +254 733 209 876 | githongo@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Tharaka-Nithi | Njeru Tea Factory | +254 722 987 234 | njeru@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Tharaka-Nithi | Theta Tea Factory | +254 721 654 432 | theta@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Kericho County | Litein Tea Factory | +254 723 544 047 | litein@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Kericho County | Kapkatet Tea Factory | +254 20 271 9328 | kapkatet@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Kericho County | Tegat Tea Factory | +254 720 907 223 | tegat@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Kericho County | Toror Tea Factory | +254 721 320 674 | toror@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Kericho County | Momul Tea Factory | +254 722 819 012 | momul@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Kericho County | Kapset Tea Factory | +254 721 231 897 | kapset@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Nandi County | Chebut Tea Factory | +254 733 765 231 | chebut@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Nandi County | Kapsumbeiwa Tea Factory | +254 721 432 089 | kapsumbeiwa@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Nandi County | Nandi Hills Tea Factory | +254 720 231 432 | nandihills@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Bomet County | Kobel Tea Factory | +254 722 456 078 | kobel@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Bomet County | Tirgaga Tea Factory | +254 723 987 654 | tirgaga@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Bomet County | Rorok Tea Factory | +254 733 321 098 | rorok@ktdateas.com |
Western Kenya | Kisii County | Nyamache Tea Factory | +254 720 234 765 | nyamache@ktdateas.com |
Western Kenya | Kisii County | Ogembo Tea Factory | +254 726 348 212 | ogembo@ktdateas.com |
Western Kenya | Kisii County | Eberege Tea Factory | +254 720 908 776 | eberege@ktdateas.com |
Western Kenya | Nyamira County | Nyansiongo Tea Factory | +254 735 123 321 | nyansiongo@ktdateas.com |
Western Kenya | Nyamira County | Sanganyi Tea Factory | +254 733 765 012 | sanganyi@ktdateas.com |
Western Kenya | Nyamira County | Tombe Tea Factory | +254 722 543 231 | tombe@ktdateas.com |
Western Kenya | Kakamega County | Mudete Tea Factory | +254 735 234 900 | mudete@ktdateas.com |
Western Kenya | Kakamega County | Lugari Tea Factory | +254 720 110 432 | lugari@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Kericho County | Kabianga Tea Factory | +254 722 543 098 | kabianga@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Kericho County | Kimugu Tea Factory | +254 723 450 654 | kimugu@ktdateas.com |
Western Kenya | Vihiga County | Kaimosi Tea Factory | +254 722 543 987 | kaimosi@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Trans Nzoia County | Kaisugu Tea Factory | +254 733 543 897 | kaisugu@ktdateas.com |
Eastern Kenya | Embu County | Makomboki Tea Factory | +254 720 554 234 | makomboki@ktdateas.com |
Central Kenya | Nyeri County | Ndima Tea Factory | +254 733 678 321 | ndima@ktdateas.com |
Rift Valley | Nakuru County | Olenguruone Tea Factory | +254 722 543 222 | olenguruone@ktdateas.com |
Western Kenya | Kisumu County | Tombe Tea Factory | +254 720 321 987 | tombe@ktdateas.com |
These KTDA factories and many others process both black and specialty teas like green tea, hibiscus tea, and chamomile tea.
Kenya is not only famous for its black tea but also for producing a wide variety of specialty teas that are gaining popularity in international markets. Let’s take a closer look at some of these specialty teas.
Green tea is produced in several regions of Kenya, including Limuru and Kericho, where the climate allows for the cultivation of high-quality green tea leaves. Known for its health benefits like boosting metabolism and improving brain function, Kenyan green tea is a favorite among tea enthusiasts worldwide.
Hibiscus tea is made from the dried petals of the hibiscus flower. It has a tart flavor and is packed with antioxidants, making it popular for managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Many Kenyan tea factories now offer hibiscus tea, catering to health-conscious consumers looking for a caffeine-free option.
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that originated in Japan but has found its way into the Kenyan market. Kenyan tea manufacturers are beginning to explore producing high-quality matcha from their green tea leaves. This tea is loved for its intense flavor and high antioxidant content.
The trendy boba tea, also known as bubble tea, is a Taiwanese-origin drink that combines tea with milk or fruit flavors and chewy tapioca pearls. While Kenya is not a traditional producer of boba tea, the growing interest in tea worldwide has spurred Kenyan producers to experiment with variations of milk tea, which serves as a base for boba tea creations.
Some of the top tea manufacturers and factories in Kenya include:
Kenya's tea industry competes on the global stage with tea manufacturers/factories in the world, including tea manufacturers in the USA. While the USA produces a variety of herbal teas, the demand for Kenyan teas—especially black and green teas—continues to grow.
Globally, tea production is dominated by countries like China, India, and Sri Lanka. However, Kenya’s focus on both black and specialty teas like hibiscus tea, matcha, and boba tea allows it to stand out as a unique player.
The Kenyan tea industry not only contributes to the country’s economy but also provides numerous employment opportunities. Factories like Saosa Tea Factory frequently advertise job vacancies, offering careers in both tea production and administration. For those interested in joining Kenya's tea sector, keeping an eye on job listings from major manufacturers is recommended.
Kenya’s position as a global leader in tea production is well-earned. With its range of high-quality teas, including green tea, hibiscus tea, matcha, and the trendy boba tea, the country’s tea manufacturers and factories are catering to both traditional tea lovers and new markets. Leading manufacturers like Finlays, KTDA factories, and Limuru Tea Company ensure that Kenya remains a powerhouse in the global tea industry.
For anyone looking to invest in, buy from, or work with Kenyan tea producers, the country’s well-established factories and rising specialty tea market offer a wealth of opportunities.