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.
- 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. - 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.
