KTDA also improved the amount produced to 2 million kilos from last year’s 1.6 million.

“We have seen significant growth in the production of orthodox tea and prices for the orthodox have always been good when compared with the black CTC,” said John Bett, general manager marketing at KTDA.

While normal teas are popular within the country, orthodox teas are mainly sold to overseas markets. However, orthodox teas are also gaining popularity with Kenyans because of health benefits - being rich in antioxidants.

In a measure to capitalize on the orthodox tea brand, KTDA has installed orthodox processing lines in 10 factories with nine of them currently processing these types of tea.

One more factory is being commissioned and will commence processing of orthodox tea this quarter Another factory is under construction in Nyamira County, while one in Kangaita nearing completion is expected to process Japanese-style green tea.

“The growth in capacity by these expanded and new facilities will further accelerate a diversification programme by the agency aimed at opening new markets and diversifying earnings from the current black CTC tea whose prices have taken a dip at the Mombasa Tea Auction,” KTDA said.

Kenyan-made orthodox teas are mainly sold in Germany, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates