PRESIDENT WILLIAM SAMOEI RUTO DURING THE FLAGGING OF THE FIRST CONCERNMENT OF THE
KENYAN TEA DESTINED FOR ACCRA GHANA AT THE KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE
( KICC) HE HAS PROMISED TO EXALT TEA FARMING THROUGH THE CONSOLIDATED MARKETS IN INTRA
TRADE IN AFRICA.
Tea farmers in Kenya have been facing a myriad of challenges in the past years due to poor farming
method as tea farming requires skills during planting, maintenance and also at harvesting. The main
challenge that has been a threat to the sector is competition from established markets that hinder them
from exporting their produce and eventually ends up selling locally at throw away price. Tea farmers have been relieved as the president has assured them that its government has set aside 3.5 million that is meant to elevate tea farmers to realize their full potential in tea farming through
consolidated markets in intra trade in Africa.
Kenya is among the 54 signatories countries in the African continental free trade area that connects to
over 1.3 billion people with a combined gross domestic product valued at US&3.4 trillion .its main aim
was to lift over 30 million people in Africa from extreme poverty that is to be achieved by putting in
place significant reforms and trade facilitation measures.
The president is optimistic for Kenya’s tea export to move from the 5 % to a minimum of 50 % in the
next 5 years through value addition which entails modification or enhancement of produces to a higher
market value through blending, packaging, flavoring, branding and many other ways.
“When we began this journey to consolidate the market in Africa and provide the infrastructure using
FTA statute, it looked like it was a dream but today we are leaving that dream as a reality” said President
William Ruto.
Wamleke menne the secretary general for African continental free trade has stressed on the importance
of value addition products as this is the only way to be free Africa from its state of underdevelopment.
Value added products attracts more customers due to its improvements this in turns boosts the revenue
of a country and its profits.
In addition to Wamlekes sentiments, Damti asera the Ghanaian high commissioner to Kenya has also
supported the value addition idea stating that this will help to improve lives as it provides better
nutrition and also helps in creation of opportunities to youths.
“Value added production will enable Africa to trade industrial products to uplift millions of people out of
poverty to create opportunities for small enterprises and create opportunities for young people” said
Damti Asera.
The president’s step to elevate tea farming in Kenya is one of the most significant actions .Africa has
been a continent that has been facing a lot of challenges such as poverty, poor education and
infrastructure, low economic growth and food insecurity .this step will aid in actualizing the
infrastructure developed by continental free trade to consolidate markets in Africa.
By Emmaculate Wamalwa
