Tea auction fetch Sh1.3 billion

The Mountain Journal

editor@themountainjournal.co.ke

 The weekly tea auction earned small scale growers approximately Sh1.32 billion for the sale of  5,746,104kgs.

The sale at the Mombasa Tea Auction reflected an increase compared to the previous sale of Sh1,250,818,689.

In the market  Mununga tea factory received Sh34.1 million, followed by Kathangariri Sh. 21.6 million.

The factories in the east of the rift continued controlling the market, as their counterparts from the west raised concerns of low earning while the tea was auctioned in the same facility.

 The report from the Tea Brokers East Africa Limited indicated that  Gathuthi fetched Sh26.4 million, Rukuriri  Sh 31 million,  Kimunye Sh  23.4 million , Kiegoi  Sh26.1 million, Mungania  Sh  24.2 million achieved the best prices at the auction over the quality teas..

 Murang’a based Ngere tea factory auctioned 149,658 kgs that fetched Sh43 million, Gacharage sold 57,662kgs getting Sh 16. 4 million. Others were Njunu 64,820 kgs for Sh18. 3 million ,Nduti 56,196 kgs  for 15.3 million,  Kanyenya ini 111,210kgs for Sh29 million, Gatunguru 67,712kgs for Sh17. 8 million.

Meru based Michimikuru fetched  Sh31. 3 million after the sale of 137,676kgs.

In the west of the rift, Momul factory took the lead after it auctioned 128,586,kgs taking home Sh29 million, followed by Sombogo that sold 20,032kg that fetched  Sh3.6 million.

 KTDA Zone six board member Enos Njeru says the farmers are encouraged to observe quality production of tea, thus fetching a better market.

“ It is pleasant that in Embu county, Rururiri, Kathangariri and Mungani performed well in last week’s auction, as they were in the top 10 list,” said Njeru.

 Tea value chain expert, Mr Peter Koromo points out that the factories  in the west of the rift are encouraged to improve the quality of their produce.

Koromo said only Momul factory has maintained the lead based on increased quality of tea at the auction.

“ The tea stakeholders should do more to educate the growers in the western side on the need for the quality produce, for better return,” said Kamoro.

KTDA zone two Board Member James Githinji said the market has continued to perform better, saying the directors are presently looking  for more outlets.

“In Murang’a the farmers are united, eyeing production of quality green leaf thus attracting the international market for better returns,” said Githinji, also the chairman at Ngere tea factory.