State eyes Sh1.4 billion from new tea export, import levy

Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture projects to collect Sh1.38 billion from a new tea export levy and Sh40 million from an import levy, totaling Sh1.42 billion annually. The levy is 0.8% of auction value on exports and 100% of import value on made tea, with funds allocated to the Farmer Price Stabilisation Fund, research, Tea Board of Kenya operations, and county infrastructure. The projections are based on 2023 export data of 522.92 million kilos worth Sh180.57 billion. Reintroduced in 2026 after being scrapped in 2016, the levy aims to shield Kenyan producers from cheap imports and fund sector development.