Wilson Muthaura Champions Value-Added Tea Exports in Kenya–Egypt Trade Push
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By John Kariuki
Kenya is redefining its tea export strategy under the leadership of Wilson Muthaura, CEO of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), who is spearheading value addition through packaging at source and the creation of distribution hubs in Cairo.
Speaking during bilateral trade talks in Nairobi, Muthaura stressed that this shift is vital to safeguarding Kenya’s leading position in Egypt—its largest tea market. He noted that with tea exports to Egypt having declined by 10 percent and foreign exchange challenges disrupting trade, direct government-to-government agreements are necessary to guarantee steady supply and fair returns for farmers.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and Egyptian Ambassador Wael Nasreldin Attiya echoed the commitment to farmer-driven growth, underscoring tea’s central role in the trade relationship.
Beyond tea, the talks highlighted broader agricultural opportunities. Egypt expressed interest in grain farming and joint beef ventures in Kenya. Lowering the cost of Kenyan beef—currently nearly double that of Latin American imports—emerged as a key priority, with proposals to establish joint feedlots and meat processing facilities to boost competitiveness.
Egyptian investors were also encouraged to explore agro-industrial projects and innovation partnerships in Kenya’s semi-arid regions. Education exchanges and youth training programs featured prominently, pointing to a long-term vision of shared prosperity.
These engagements build on the 12 bilateral agreements signed last year as Kenya and Egypt continue to deepen trade relations. A possible state visit by Egypt’s President in 2025 is expected to further cement these ties.
With Wilson Muthaura at the helm, Kenya’s tea sector is poised not only to strengthen its foothold in Egypt but also to unlock new avenues of growth for farmers and the wider agricultural economy.
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