Value-addition training targets more tea exports

The export agency and Tea Directorate have started training small firms in value addition for export following a memorandum of understanding last year.

The tea coaching programme by Export Promotion Council (EPC) will target tea enterprises, mainly the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), who will be trained on export process.

Last week, officials of Tea Directorate and EPC chief executive Peter Biwott inaugurated a series of export coaching seminars in Kericho and Mombasa aimed at enhancing the competitiveness for value-added tea products.

This marks the first phase under the MoU geared towards capacity building.

“This collaborative approach is part of a deliberate strategy to increase the value-added component of the country’s export portfolio,” said the directorate.

The training will be phased and will cover technical aspects on international tea trade, trade finance, product development, export market penetration and brand development.

The training is being undertaken in collaboration with IDB Capital, University of Nairobi School of the Art and Design and Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs). 

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This first phase will entail instructive training workshops in Kericho, Nairobi and Mombasa to provide information on market trends, practical tips and general topics on product design and development.

“This will include market entry standards and specifications,” the directorate noted. Phase two will entail on-site company coaching that will involve one-on-one practical training at the production site).

The directorate says in the medium term enterprises will be exposed to EAC and Comesa markets through regional and international trade promotion events like trade fairs and exhibitions, expos, buyer-seller meetings, in-store promotion activities and trade missions.