The Tea Board of Kenya is defending a new tea export levy, introduced on May 1, 2026, which it states will fund industry improvements and market expansion.

• The levy is 0.8 percent on tea exports, not 8 percent as previously reported.
• Key individuals and organizations involved include the Tea Board of Kenya, chaired by Ndungu Gathinji, and various industry players facing pushback.
• Proceeds will support infrastructure, research, branding, and international market promotion, with exemptions for value-added tea under 10 kilograms and products from export zones.