The tea trade in Kenya plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy, and tea brokers are critical to ensuring seamless operations between tea producers and buyers. Brokers act as intermediaries, representing tea producers at auctions, where they manage the sale and valuation of tea.
These brokers are primarily based in Mombasa, where the renowned Mombasa Tea Auction takes place weekly. This auction, hosted by the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), is the second-largest black tea auction center in the world after the Colombo Tea Auction in Sri Lanka. It attracts buyers from across the globe, offering a platform for the sale of tea from Kenya and neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
How the Auction Works
The Mombasa auction involves two key sessions:
- Primary Grades Auction: Held on Tuesdays at 8 a.m., selling premium grades of tea.
- Secondary Grades Auction: Conducted on Mondays at 9 a.m., focusing on lower grades.
Tea producers deliver their produce to warehouses in Mombasa and engage licensed brokers to manage the sale. Brokers sample and taste the tea, catalog it, and provide recommendations on quality, helping producers set appropriate reserve prices. They also liaise closely with buyers to ensure transparency during the auction process.
Below is a comprehensive list of licensed tea brokers operating in Kenya.
List of Licensed Tea Brokers in Kenya
| Tea Broker | Contact Email |
|---|---|
| Atlas Tea Brokers Ltd | atlasteabrokersltd@gmail.com |
| Africa Tea Brokers Ltd | info@atbltd.com / africateabrokers@gmail.com |
| Anjeli Ltd | info@anjeli.co.ke |
| Besty Tea Brokers Limited | sales@besty.co.ke |
| Bicorn Exim Ltd | info@bicornexim.co.ke |
| Centreline Tea Brokers Ltd | info@centreline.co.ke |
| Choice Tea Brokers Ltd | choicetea@africaonline.co.ke |
| Combrok Limited | tea@combrok.co.ke / combrok@africaonline.co.ke |
| Prime Tea Brokers | info@primeteabrokers.com |
| Prudential Tea Brokers EA Ltd | info@prudentialtea.com |
| Tea Brokers East Africa Ltd | mail@tbeal.co.ke |
| Union Tea Brokers Ltd | info@uniontea.com |
| Venus Tea Brokers Limited | info@venustea.com |
Contact Details – Tea Board of Kenya
The Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) serves as the primary regulator for the tea industry, ensuring that brokers operate within the legal framework.
- Phone: +254 734 600 944 / +254 722 200 556 / 020 2536886
- Email: info@teaboard.or.ke
Industry Outlook
Kenya’s tea brokers play a vital role in maximizing profits for producers by ensuring efficient auction processes. With the Mombasa Tea Auction continuing to attract international buyers, these brokers are instrumental in maintaining Kenya’s status as one of the world’s leading tea exporters. As the tea industry faces changing market dynamics and fluctuating global prices, the presence of experienced and licensed brokers becomes even more critical to safeguard the interests of producers.
The increased oversight by the Tea Board of Kenya and EATTA ensures that brokers operate transparently, fostering confidence among buyers and producers alike.
