We hosted the Rwanda High Commissioner at the Secretariat today. Visiting EATTA was his priority. He expressed gratitude to EATTA for promoting Rwanda teas and the positive impact to their economy.

EATTA held a meeting with the KRA Regional Coordinator Southern Region Kenya Mombasa (Name) on Wednesday 2nd August 2023. The meeting was to seek ways to address the issues tea exporters have with ICMS.

Arising from the meeting, KRA committed to look specifically at resolving the problem on entries stuck in the ICMS system and uncancelled bonds that are costing exporters a lot in running capital.

EATTA was asked to map out customer journey indicating the bottleneck areas.

KRA will use that document to initiate system changes.

The East African Tea Trade Association was invited to a consultative forum with the President, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto held at Kenya Ports Authority on Saturday 29th July, 2023.Below issues affecting the tea auction were presented for discussion during the forum.

1. Streamlining of the Export Processes
   A way forward on the removal of multiple bonds for tea exports, is affecting the competitiveness of the Kenya Tea auction conducted in Mombasa, with tea from transit countries i.e., Rwanda, and Uganda contemplating shifting to other Auctions in the region.
   
   Multiple agencies placing holds on various consignments need to be harmonized as it delays the export clearance for onward loading onto vessels, this also affects the ports’ operational efficiency and ship turnaround time.
   
   
2. Non-Tariff Barriers along the Northern Corridor
   County cess tax/ Fees - Counties should not levy cess tax/fees on Transit trucks to facilitate international trade and for the competitiveness of the northern corridor.

Press Release by East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) on the insecurity and wanton destruction of property in the tea estates.

The Board of the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) is deeply concerned about the insecurity and the wanton destruction of property in the tea estates in the South Rift.

We condemn with the strongest terms possible the invasion witnessed in broad daylight by invaders that have threatened workers besides destroying machinery that are valued at millions of shillings.

It is unfortunate that the incident is being witnessed at a time when the Kenyan economy is undergoing some trying times while the Government is working hard to attract foreign investors to bring in seriously needed foreign exchange and create employment in the country.

It is worth noting that the action is sending a wrong signal to the global community on how foreign investors are treated in Kenya.
The effect of incidence that is taking place in the tea estates will have far reaching consequences to the tea industry in the country.
As you may be all aware, already a major tea estate - Ekaterra Tea PLC has suspended operations for the time while insecurity and destruction of property continues to prevail.

As we are speaking to you today, the other large plantations are also observing the situation and may do the same if the security of their employees and property is not guaranteed.

It is important to note that the tea plantations in this country account for 40 percent of the volume of tea traded in the auction and if they decide to stop presenting their tea in the auction, we foresee a catastrophic impact on the Mombasa Tea Auction.

As you may be aware, tea is grown in 19 counties and is a catalyst for economic development across the country.
It is important to note that Kenya earned more than Kenya Shillings130 billion from tea exports thereby providing livelihood to more than 3 million Kenyans in the year 2022.

This is proof enough that the tea industry strongly holds to the philosophy of shared prosperity right from the farmer.

Given the current ugly situation, as EATTA together with other stakeholders, we are making an appeal to the highest authorities in the land to step in and give an assurance that Kenya supports foreign investment and is open for business.

About EATTA

EATTA is the apex body representing the tea industry in Africa. EATTA was formed in 1957 to promote the best interest of the Tea Trade in Africa. It runs the Mombasa Tea Auction, which is the largest tea auction in the world. Tea is the leading export from Kenya. With Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the democratic republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar and Ethiopia as members and infusing pan Africanism into the organization it lobbies for regulatory and statutory bodies in member countries to create an enabling business environment for our members along the value chain.

Mr. Arthur D. Sewe,
Chairman,
East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA)

East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) wishes to pre-qualify/register suppliers from competent organizations for the provision of goods and services for the period 2023/2024. Those already providing goods and services to EATTA for the year 2021/2022 are also required to apply.

The tender document with detailed information can be downloaded below:

Duly completed Pre-qualification documents should be submitted clearly marked “Pre-qualification of Suppliers 2023/2024” indicating the reference number(s) for the goods or services being applied for, sent to the address below or delivered to the EATTA offices on or before Friday, 13th January 2023 at 12.00 noon.

Submitted documents will be opened publicly in the presence of candidates or their authorized representatives who choose to attend at exactly 2.00p.m. on the same date at EATTA Boardroom.

The Managing Director
East African Tea Trade Association
P.O Box 85174-80100
Mombasa
Email:
Website: www.eatta.co.ke

The East African Tea Trade Association in collaboration with the Burundi Tea Authority (OTB) will be conducting the 5th African Tea Convention & Exhibition at the Hotel club du lac Tanganyika, Bujumbura, Burundi from 20th to 22nd July,2022.

Register

EATTA reponse to Tea Regulations

Tea farmers urged to focus on improving quality of Tea