Challenges Affecting the Tea in Nyeri County, Kenya

Aim: To investigate the factors curtailing production of tea in Nyeri and come up with possible mitigating measures.

Study Design: In-depth qualitative survey that involved the interviewing of 28 tea farmers and 4 key informants (Subcounty Agricultural Officers)

Place and Duration of Study: Othaya, Tetu and Mathira sub counties of Nyeri County: July 2014

Methodology: Twenty eight farmers and 4 Key informants were interviewed using 2 structured questionnaires. The interviewees were selected using systematic random sampling. Data was collected on the challenges that face the tea sector as well as the mitigating measures used to address them. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages and means) using SPSS statistical program.

Results: Low prices, lack of technical know-how on some aspects of tea production, adverse climatic conditions, lack of markets for purple tea were identified as major issues limiting tea sector in the county. Possible solutions have been discussed in this paper.

Conclusion: Challenges that face the tea sector need to be addressed expeditiously in order to maximize tea production and earnings in Kenya.