The Kenyan tea industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, contributing significantly to export earnings and livelihoods. Regulated by the Tea Board of Kenya, the sector includes a variety of manufacturers responsible for processing, packaging, and distributing tea products for local and international markets. Manufacturers are classified into four categories: KTDA-managed, large-scale, medium-scale, and specialty tea factories. Below is an updated and comprehensive list of licensed tea manufacturers operating across Kenya.
Categories of Tea Manufacturers in Kenya
KTDA-Managed Factories The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) oversees smallholder tea production, managing processing and marketing for over 600,000 small-scale farmers through numerous tea factories.
Large-Scale Tea Manufacturers Large-scale manufacturers grow, process, and package tea on a commercial scale. These are often associated with multinational corporations, including Ekaterra (formerly Unilever) and Finlays.
Medium-Scale Tea Manufacturers Medium-scale factories operate in select regions, catering to domestic and niche markets. They provide opportunities for farmers to diversify revenue through value-added products.
Specialty Tea Manufacturers This category focuses on premium and niche teas such as purple tea, white tea, and orthodox tea. Specialty factories promote diversification and attract a high-value export market.
List of Licensed Tea Manufacturers in Kenya (2024)
A) KTDA-Managed Tea Factories
Below are factories managed by KTDA, scattered across tea-growing regions such as Nyeri, Kericho, Meru, and Thika.
No.
Tea Factory
Location
1
Chinga Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kagicha Othaya South
2
Boito Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Boito – Konoin
3
Chebut Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kapsabet
4
Chelal Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Roret – Litein
5
Eberege Tea Factory Co. Ltd
South Mugirango
6
Gacharage Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Mununga – Thika
7
Gachege Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Gatundu North Thika
8
Gathuthi Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Nyeri
9
Gatunguru Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kagema – Kiriti
10
Gianchore Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Keera – Nyamira
11
Githambo Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kahuro
12
Githongo Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Meru Central
13
Gitugi Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Othaya – Mahiga
14
Igembe Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Maua Meru North
15
Ikumbi Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Ikumbi Thika
16
Imenti Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Nkubu – Marimba – Meru
17
Iriaini Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Othaya – Iriaini North
18
Itumbe Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Gionsaria Nyamache
19
Kagwe Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Githunguri
20
Kambaa Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Githunguri Thika
21
Kangaita Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kigumo – Kerugoya
22
Kanyenyaini Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kangema
23
Kapkatet Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Litein
24
Kapkoros Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Sibaiyan – Litein
25
Kapsara Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kitale
26
Kapset Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kericho
27
Kaptumo Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kapsabet
28
Kathangariri Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Embu
29
Kebirigo Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kebirigo
30
Kenyakea Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kebirigo
31
Kiamokama Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Gesusu – Keroka
32
Kiegoi Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Maua Meru North
33
Kimunye Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kerugoya
34
Kinoro Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Imenti South
35
Kionyo Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Nkubu
36
Kiru Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kiria-ini
37
Kobel Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kericho
38
Kuri/Ndarugu Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Gatundu Thika
39
Litein Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kisiara – Roret – Litein
40
Makomboki Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Thika
41
Mataara Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Chania – Thika
42
Matunwa Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Nyansiogo
43
Michimikuru Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Nyambane Hills – Tigania
44
Mogogosiek Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Boito – Konoin
45
Momul Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Chemamul – Kericho
46
Motigo Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Litein
47
Mudete Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Mbale – Maragoli
48
Mungania Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kagaari North – Embu
49
Mununga Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kagumo – Kerugoya
50
Ndima Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Karatina
51
Nduti Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kangari
52
Ngere Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kariara – Thika
53
Njunu Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Thika
54
Nyamache Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Gionsaria Nyamache
55
Nyankoba Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Keroka
56
Nyansiongo Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kisii
57
Ogembo Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Tendere – Gucha
58
Olenguruone Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Molo
59
Ragati Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kagochi – Karatina
60
Rianyamwamu Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Keroka
61
Rorok Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Konoin – Kericho
62
Rukuriri Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Runyenjes
63
Sanganyi Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kebirigo
64
Sombogo Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kisii
65
Tebesonik Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Litein
66
Tegat Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Waldai – Kericho
67
Theta Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Gatundu Thika
68
Thumaita Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kianyaga
69
Tirgaga Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Litein
70
Tombe Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Central Kitutu – Kisii
71
Toror Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kericho
72
Weru Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Muthambi – Chuka
B) Large-Scale Tea Manufacturers
No.
Tea Manufacturer (Factory)
County
Ekaterra Tea Kenya PLC
1
Chagaik Tea Factory
Kericho
2
Jamji Tea Factory
Kericho
3
Kericho Tea Factory
Kericho
4
Kimari Tea Factory
Kericho
5
Kimugu Tea Factory
Kericho
6
Koruma Tea Factory
Kericho
7
Mabroukie Tea Factory
Kiambu
8
Tagabi Tea Factory
Kericho
Finlays Kenya Ltd
9
Changana Tea Factory
Kericho
10
Chomogonday Tea Factory
Kericho
11
Kitumbe Tea Factory
Kericho
12
Koros Tea Factory
Kericho
13
Kymulot Tea Factory
Kericho
14
Saosa Tea Factory
Kericho
Williamson Tea Kenya Ltd
15
Kapchorua Tea Co. Ltd
Nandi
16
Changoi Tea Factory
Bomet
17
Kaimosi Tea Estates Ltd
Nandi
18
Tinderet Tea Estate
Nandi
Eastern Produce Kenya Ltd
19
Chemomi Tea Factory
Nandi
20
Kapsumbeiwa Tea Factory
Nandi
21
Kepchomo Tea Factory
Nandi
22
Kibwari Tea Factory
Nandi
23
Kipkoimet Tea Factory
Nandi
24
Savani Tea Factory
Nandi
25
Siret Tea Factory
Nandi
C) Medium Scale Tea Manufacturers in Kenya
No.
Tea Manufacturer (Factory)
County
1
Aldai Tea Factory Limited
Nairobi
2
Chebango EPZ Tea Co. Ltd
Bomet
3
Chemalal Tea Factory Ltd
Nairobi
4
Chemusian Tea Estates Ltd
Nakuru
5
Emom Tea Estate – Belion Tea Factory Ltd
Nairobi
6
Emrok Tea Factory (EPZ) Ltd
Nandi
7
Ernestea Limited
Nairobi
8
Greenfields Tea Factory
Kitale
9
Kabianga Tea Factory Ltd
Kericho
10
Kapchebet Tea Factory Ltd
Kericho
11
Kapkaitin Tea Outgrowers Emp. Project Co. Ltd
Nandi
12
Kapsiwon Tea Factory Limited
Nandi Hills
13
Karirana Estates Ltd
Kiambu
14
Kilibwoni Tea Factory Ltd
Nandi
15
Kimong Tea Factory Limited
Eldoret
16
Korara Highlands Tea Factory
Nairobi
17
Kuresoi Tea Factory Ltd
Kericho
18
Lasit Tea Factory Ltd
Nakuru
19
Lelgotet Tea Factory
Nandi
20
Maramba Tea Factory Ltd
Kiambu
21
Mau Multipurpose Coop Society Ltd
Kericho
22
Mogeni Tea Factory Ltd
Nyamira
23
Mogusii Tea Company Ltd
Nyamira
24
Nandi Tea Estates Ltd
Nandi
25
Ndarawetta Tea Factory Ltd
Bomet
26
Ngorongo Tea Factory
Kiambu
27
Sangalo Tea Factory Limited
Kericho
28
Sisibo Tea Factory Ltd
Elgeyo Marakwet
29
SOT Tea Growers SACCO (STEGRO)
Bomet
30
Sotit Tea Factory Ltd
Bomet
31
Taiwet Tea Factory Ltd
Kericho
32
Tet Tea Factory Ltd
Bomet
Kaisugu Factories
33
Kiptagich Tea Estates Ltd
Nakuru
34
Kaisugu Ltd
Kericho
35
Tachasis Tea Factory (Kiptagich Satellite)
Nakuru
Kipkebe Tea Factories
36
Kipkebe Tea Factory
Nyamira
37
Keritor Tea Factory
Nyamira
Sotik Tea Factories
38
Sotik Highlands Tea Estate Limited – Mettarora
Bomet
39
Sotik Tea Company Ltd – Arroket T.F
Nyamira
D.L Factories
40
D.L Koisagat Tea Estate
Nandi
41
D.L Kaptel Tea Factory
Nandi
Nyayo Tea Zones
42
Kipchabo Tea Factory
Nandi
43
Gatitu Tea Factory (Nyayo)
Kirinyaga
D) Specialty Tea Manufacturers
No.
Tea Manufacturer (Factory)
County
1
Borabu Tea Factory
Nyamira
2
Bureti Tea Company Limited
Bureti
3
Camellia Kenya Limited
Nandi
4
Central Highlands Tea Company Ltd
Murang’a
5
Chai Imara Purple Tea
Nandi
6
Chepkumia Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Nandi
7
Chesumot Ltd
Kericho
8
Chinga Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kagicha Othaya South
9
CLEAR Resources Ltd
Nairobi
10
Elgon Tea And Coffee Limited
Trans Nzoia
11
Equatorial Greenfarm Produce Limited
Kerugoya
12
Evergreen Tea Factory
Kericho
13
Gatanga Industries Ltd
Murang’a
14
Gicheha Farms Ltd
Ruiru
15
Gitugi Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Othaya – Mahiga
16
Global Agro Limited
Kakamega
17
Horera Forest Edge Tea Co. Ltd
Nyeri
18
Imenti Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Meru
19
Itibo Ltd
Bomet
20
Itumbe Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Nyamache
21
Kagwe Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Githunguri
22
Kangaita Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kerugoya
23
Kapkwen Green Tea Factory Ltd
Kericho
24
Kapsiwon Tea Factory Limited
Nandi Hills
25
Karirana Estates Ltd
Kiambu
26
Kericho Tea East Africa Ltd
Kericho
27
Kimunye Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kerugoya
28
Kipsigis Highlands Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd
Kericho
29
Kiru Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kiria-ini
30
Kisyet Tea Ltd
Bomet
31
Lilim Tea Factory
Kericho
32
Mara Tea Factory
Trans Mara
33
Matunwa Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Nyansiongo
34
Mbogo Valley Tea Factory Ltd
Nandi
35
Michimikuru Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Nyambane Hills – Tigania
36
Ndarawetta Tea Factory Ltd
Bomet
37
Njeru Industries Ltd
Meru
38
PrimeLeaf Estates Limited
Nairobi
39
Simbelyon Tea Factory
Kericho
40
Thumaita Tea Factory Co. Ltd
Kianyaga
41
Tower Bridge Tea Co. Ltd
Kericho
The Role of the Tea Board of Kenya
The Tea Board of Kenya serves as the regulatory authority mandated to develop, promote, and regulate the tea industry. It ensures compliance with industry standards, licenses factories, and promotes Kenyan tea globally. The board’s initiatives focus on enhancing value addition, promoting specialty teas, and maintaining Kenya’s position as one of the leading tea exporters globally.
Kenya is the largest producer of black tea in Africa and the third-largest globally, after China and India. Tea remains one of the country’s leading exports, with significant markets in Pakistan, the UK, and the Middle East. In recent years, the focus has shifted toward value addition through specialty teas, improving earnings for farmers and manufacturers alike.
The introduction of purple tea, an antioxidant-rich variety, has added a new dimension to the sector. Kenya is also investing heavily in sustainable production practices, including organic farming and carbon neutrality programs, to align with changing consumer preferences for ethical and environmentally friendly products.
The Kenyan tea industry offers a diverse landscape of manufacturers, from smallholder farmers under KTDA to large-scale corporations and specialty tea producers. As the global market evolves, sustainability and product diversification will remain key to maintaining Kenya’s competitive edge.
For prospective investors and stakeholders, the comprehensive list provided in this article serves as a valuable reference for identifying key players across different categories of tea manufacturing in Kenya.
