James Anyanzwa
25 April 2008
Nairobi — Tea production fell by 35 per cent to 70 million kgs during the first quarter of the year compared to a corresponding period last year, the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) has reported.
Data released by the board showed the highest drop was in the west of Rift where production plunged by 50 per cent to 31 million kgs between January and March from 62 million kgs during a similar period last year.
East of Rift, however, recorded a lower output decline of 14 per cent from 46 million kgs to 40 million kgs.
The plantation sub-sector, which is predominant in the west of Rift was the most hit by the slump with its output plummeting by 46 per cent to 21 million kgs from 40 million kgs recorded in the first quarter of last year.
Smallholder sub-sector, which is mainly in the east of Rift, registered a lower production drop of 28 per cent from 67 million kgs to 48 million kgs.
Low production during the quarter was attributed to hot and dry weather conditions that were prevalent in most tea growing areas as well as frost that affected parts of the west of Rift, particularly in Nandi, Kericho and the surrounding districts in February.
"However, with the onset of the long rains and the recovery of green leaf from the frost attack, production for the second quarter is expected to improve," Ms Sicily Kariuki, the Tea Board of Kenya managing director said.
During the period, 62.6 million kgs was offered for sale at the Mombasa Tea Auction against 75.9 million kgs during the first quarter of last year.
In the quarter, local tea was exported to 36 destinations compared to 40 last year.
Egypt was the leading export destination having imported 18.9 million kgs, accounting for 23 per cent of the export volume.
Other key markets included UK, which imported 17 million kgs; Pakistan (12 million kgs); Sudan (five million kgs) and United Arab Emirates (four million kgs).
Local consumption dropped by seven per cent to 3.4 million kilogrammes from 3.7 million kgs recorded in the first quarter of last year.
According to TBK this trend was attributed to a shift in preference towards cold beverages, as is characteristic of consumers during hot weather conditions.
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