Kenya Moves to Lift Tea Export Ban to Iran in High-Level Talks
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By John Kariuki
In a major push to revive tea trade with the Middle East, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe held a strategic meeting with Iranian business leaders aimed at lifting the longstanding ban on Kenyan tea exports to Iran.
CS Kagwe was joined by top officials from the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), including National Chairman Chege Kirundi, KTDA Group CEO Wilson Muthaura, and Kenya’s Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Kenneth Milimo Nganga. The meeting focused not only on reopening Iranian markets but also on expanding trade ties across the broader Middle East and Central Asia.
Kenya, the world’s leading exporter of black tea, stands to gain significantly if the Iranian market is reopened. “Unlocking this trade route could be transformative for Kenyan tea farmers and the entire value chain,” said CS Kagwe. “We are committed to strengthening our bilateral ties to ensure our premium tea reaches international consumers.”
The discussions come at a critical time when Kenya is seeking to diversify and stabilize its agricultural exports amidst global market fluctuations. Iran, with its large consumer base and strong tea culture, presents a lucrative opportunity for Kenya’s tea sector.
Reestablishing this trade relationship is expected to boost earnings for local farmers, increase KTDA’s export volumes, and cement Kenya’s position as a global leader in tea production.
The CS emphasized Kenya’s readiness to meet export requirements and standards, assuring Iranian stakeholders of consistent quality and supply.
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