O P I N I O N
WHY ITS TIME for KTDA to invest on Energy and Tea Tourism
By CHEGE KIRUNDI
chain, from smallholder farmers to global buyers. One conclusion is clear: the long-term sustainability of our tea industry depends on innovation and diversification.
Tea tourism presents a compelling opportunity. It complements our core agricultural business while leveraging Kenya’ s growing appeal as a cultural and eco-tourism destination. I believe the time has come for KTDA to explore strategic investments in this space, supported by a comprehensive study by the Tea Research Foundation to map opportunities, challenges, and an integration roadmap.
Tea tourism can uniquely blend agriculture, culture, and environmental stewardship. Visitors would experience Kenya’ s iconic tea landscapes, meet the farmers behind the cup, and engage with the stories embedded in every harvest. As part of this vision, we are considering appointing a curator to archive our tea history and develop a tea museum that preserves and showcases Kenya’ s rich tea heritage.
As Chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Agency( KTDA), I have had the unique privilege of engaging with diverse stakeholders in our tea value chain; from smallholder farmers to international buyers.
As Chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Agency( KTDA), I have engaged widely across the tea value
Introduced in 1903, Kenyan tea has grown to account for about 22 percent of global trade. This legacy is both agricultural and cultural, shaped by colonial history and local traditions, and worthy of global appreciation.
Immersive experiences could include guided tours of tea estates and factories, tastings, brewing workshops, cultural performances, artisan collaborations, and tea-inspired culinary events, enriching both tourism and the creative economy.
KTDA also has a unique opportunity to integrate tea
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