Kericho Tea Plantations | Kericho

Tea plantations in Kenya—especially around Kericho, Nandi Hills, and parts of Nyeri, Meru, and Kisii—are among the country’s most iconic and economically important landscapes. They form the heart of Kenya’s global tea industry, which is one of the largest tea exporters in the world, with Kenyan tea known for its rich flavor, strong aroma, and high quality.

Among all tea-growing regions, Kericho stands out as the most famous and visually striking due to its expansive green hills, cool climate, and deep-rooted historical ties to tea farming.

Overview of Tea Farming in Kenya

Tea was introduced in Kenya by British colonialists in the early 20th century.

The first commercial tea planting was in Limuru (near Nairobi) in 1903.

Today, tea is one of Kenya’s top foreign exchange earners, alongside tourism, horticulture, and coffee.

The country produces primarily black tea, but there are increasing developments in green, purple, and orthodox teas.

Why Kenya’s Tea Thrives

Climate: Tea grows best in cool, wet conditions. Kenya’s highland regions—like Kericho—offer ideal temperatures (10–30°C), high rainfall (1200–1400 mm annually), and consistent humidity.

Altitude: Most tea plantations sit at elevations of 1,500 to 2,400 meters. High altitude slows growth slightly, enriching the flavor and strength of the tea leaves.

Soil: Volcanic, well-drained, and fertile red soils provide essential nutrients.

Equatorial Location: With evenly distributed sunlight throughout the year, Kenya’s tea farms produce year-round harvests.

Major Tea-Growing Regions

1. Kericho

The most famous tea-growing area in Kenya.

Home to vast estates owned by major multinational companies such as Unilever Tea Kenya (Lipton), James Finlay, and Williamson Tea.

Known for scenic green hills that stretch endlessly under misty skies.

Tea from Kericho is often used in premium blends and exported globally.

2. Nandi Hills

Located north of Kericho, with similar topography and climate.

Also produces high-quality tea, both from smallholders and large estates.

3. Nyeri and Murang’a

In central Kenya, on the slopes of the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya.

Smaller-scale farms with increasing organic and specialty tea production.

4. Meru

Eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, combining tea with agroforestry.

Noted for high-quality tea and scenic valleys.

5. Kisii and Western Kenya

More small-scale farming here, especially in Vihiga, Kakamega, and Bomet.

Strong contributions to the national tea output.

Types of Tea Produced

Black CTC Tea (Crush, Tear, Curl) – The most common. Strong, brisk, and aromatic, used in global blends.

Orthodox Tea – Hand-rolled or lightly processed for high-end markets.

Green Tea – Increasingly cultivated for health-conscious markets.

Purple Tea – A Kenyan specialty with high anthocyanin content, rich in antioxidants.

White Tea – Rare and highly valued, mainly produced in small batches.

The Tea Industry Structure

Smallholder farmers (under Kenya Tea Development Agency - KTDA) produce about 60% of Kenya’s tea.

Large estates (like Unilever and Finlays) produce the remaining 40%.

KTDA manages over 65 factories serving around 600,000 small-scale farmers.

The tea is auctioned at the Mombasa Tea Auction, one of the largest tea trading hubs globally.

Visiting Tea Plantations

Tea plantations are not only centers of agriculture but also popular tourist attractions, especially in Kericho and Nandi Hills.

Tour Highlights:

Factory Tours – Visitors can see the tea-making process from plucking to drying and packaging.

Tea Tasting – Sample various tea grades and styles.

Guided Plantation Walks – Walk through the neat rows of tea bushes, learn about plucking techniques, and enjoy panoramic views.

Cultural Experiences – Interact with local communities and small-scale farmers, and learn how tea fits into their daily life.

Photography – The landscapes are stunning, especially at sunrise or on misty mornings.

Popular estates open for visits (by appointment or guide arrangement):

Unilever Tea Kericho

Finlay’s Tea Estate

Williamson Tea (Kapchorua)

Tinderet and Kipkebe Estates

Socioeconomic Impact

The tea industry supports millions of livelihoods across Kenya.

It plays a vital role in rural development, infrastructure, and education.

Tea farming is often interwoven with local traditions and community life, particularly among Kalenjin, Kikuyu, and Kisii communities.

However, the industry has faced challenges such as:

Climate change affecting yields

Fluctuating global prices

Labor disputes in large estates

Calls for sustainable and fair trade practices

Summary

Kenya’s tea plantations, especially those in Kericho and surrounding highlands, represent the heart of the country's agricultural heritage and economy. With their rolling green landscapes, rich colonial and local history, and global reputation for quality, they offer not just a drink but a deep cultural experience. For anyone visiting Kenya, exploring a tea plantation offers insight into a world where nature, culture, and commerce come together in one of Africa’s most serene and productive landscapes.