Kenyan tea exporters are set to resume trade with Tanzania after President Samia Suluhu's administration lifted a temporary suspension that had been imposed on importation permits early in the month.
In a statement by Trade Principal Secretary Alfred Ombudo on Thursday, the lifting of the suspension was occasioned by a high-level discussion that was undertaken in Arusha.
Ombudo expressed that the directive was a win for Kenyan farmers given that Tanzania is a major destination for Kenyan tea among the countries within the East Africa Community (EAC) block.
On February 2, Tanzania suspended the issuance of tea import permits following concerns over the quality of tea that was getting into the EAC country.
"Kenyan tea exporters to Tanzania may resume exports after Bodi Ya Chai Tanzania issued a circular resuming issuance of tea import permits.
"We sincerely appreciate our Tanzania colleagues for an audience on the margins of the EAC Sectoral Council in Arusha to resolve this matter," read the report in part.
However, despite the latest directive, those exporting tea to Tanzania will have to meet various health requirements. Among them is the acquisition of a tea quality analysis certificate.
"Please be informed further that, the Board is working closely with the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) on controlling the quality and eligibility of tea import permits issued by the Tea Board of Tanzania to all tea dealers.
"In this case, importers of tea shall be required to obtain a tea quality analysis certificate which will be regularly done by the stated authority. You shall also be required to apply for a phytosanitary certificate for all tea consignments to be imported into the country," read the directive by the Tanzania Tea Board.
On the other hand, the PS added that Kenya would be resolving other trade issues with its neighbouring countries in the coming weeks as the government aims to boost trade with the region.
Tea is a major revenue earner for the country. In 2022 alone, Kenya earned Ksh200 billion from tea exports to countries across the globe.
Apart from Tanzania, other destinations for Kenyan tea include Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
