Orthodox tea, unlike traditional CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl) tea, is produced using a meticulous, multi-step process that includes plucking, withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying. This results in whole, unbroken leaves that are highly valued for their complex aromas, rich flavors, and suitability for specialty varieties such as black, green, and oolong teas.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe presided over the historic sale, where the first batch of Kenyan orthodox tea sold for USD 3.72 (about Sh481) per kilo. A total of 2,925 packages, weighing 91,798 kilos, went under the hammer.
“The global tea market has changed. Our traditional CTC teas are now facing flat demand and depressed prices,” Kagwe said. “The mismatch between production and consumption has led to unsold stocks and lower earnings, despite the excellent work of our farmers.
