High charges at Mombasa Port eating into tea farmers' incomes, exporters warn

High charges at Mombasa Port eating into tea farmers' incomes, exporters warn
High charges at Mombasa Port eating into tea farmers' incomes, exporters warn - East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) Chief Managing Director George Omuga. (Courtesy)
East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) Chief Managing Director George Omuga. (Courtesy)

Listen to article

3 min listen
Audio reading is not supported on this browser.
Ready

Thanks for listening. Continue with a related story, or tap the speaker icon on the next page to listen.

Related story

Salvage contractor appointed as MV DAN recovery off Nyali Beach enters final approval stage

Farhiya Hussein  ·  1 hour ago
Read next Opens a fresh page.

Omuga said tea containers from Kenya and other neighbouring countries are subjected to a Sh7,000 levy, which he described as an additional cost that eventually affects the earnings of farmers who depend on the crop for their livelihoods.

Tea exporters have raised concerns over escalating charges on tea shipments passing through the Port of Mombasa, warning that the growing costs are weakening farmers’ incomes and making East African tea less competitive in the international market.
The East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) said multiple taxes and levies imposed on tea traders are increasing the cost of exporting the commodity, calling for a review of the charges affecting the sector.
EATTA Chief Managing Director George Omuga said the national and county governments need to work together to streamline the taxes imposed on tea businesses, arguing that the current system is placing an unnecessary financial strain on farmers and exporters.

More To Read

Omuga said tea containers from Kenya and other neighbouring countries are subjected to a Sh7,000 levy, which he described as an additional cost that eventually affects the earnings of farmers who depend on the crop for their livelihoods.
“The charges imposed on every container carrying tea from farmers in Kenya and the region have continued to increase the burden on the sector. These costs eventually reduce what farmers receive, and there is a need for both levels of government to review and harmonise the levies,” said Omuga.
He also raised concerns over inefficiencies at the Port of Mombasa, saying delays in cargo processing are forcing exporters to pay additional storage fees and increasing the cost of moving tea to international markets.

Latest Stories

According to Omuga, repeated disruptions affecting the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS) have contributed to delays, with some tea consignments missing scheduled shipping timelines due to challenges in cargo clearance.
He warned that such disruptions increase operational expenses for exporters and weaken the region’s ability to compete with other tea-producing markets globally.
The concerns were raised during a meeting between tea industry stakeholders and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, which focused on challenges affecting tea exports and ways of improving the sector’s performance.
Kinyanjui acknowledged the concerns raised by players in the tea industry, saying the government would engage relevant agencies, including the Kenya Ports Authority and county governments, to address disputed charges affecting exporters.
He said discussions would also focus on strengthening tea marketing efforts to improve the sector’s position in global markets.
“Concerns over the disputed charges will be taken up with the port authorities, while discussions will also be held with county governments. On tea levies, there is a need to place greater focus on improving marketing to support the sector,” said Kinyanjui.

Other Topics To Read

Top Stories Today

Comments

0
Loading comments...

Trending

News | |
News | |
News | |
News | |
News | |
News | |
Sports | |
Sports | |
News | |
News | |

Latest Stories

Waqf Commission selection enters next stage as panel shortlists 35 candidates
Headlines | |
Salvage contractor appointed as MV DAN recovery off Nyali Beach enters final approval stage
Coast | |
High charges at Mombasa Port eating into tea farmers' incomes, exporters warn
Business | |
IEBC begins search for new CEO to replace Marjan Hussein Marjan, applications close August 11
Headlines | |
TSC launches major teacher recruitment drive with 54,016 vacancies
Education | |
Inside agreement that eased aviation crisis, keeping flights running
Headlines | |
Chad's government says it's withdrawing from the ICC
Africa | |
Breakthrough RNA therapy could boost immunotherapy for prostate cancer, study finds
Headlines | |
Edmund Serem leads Kenya to historic steeplechase podium sweep at Commonwealth Games
Headlines | |
Doctors warn whole-body MRI scans may do more harm than good for healthy people
Headlines | |
High Court to rule on loud matatu music after Nairobi lawyer files lawsuit
Headlines | |
Can newly discovered soil fungus stop devastating African armyworm when chemicals have failed?
Africa | |

Popular Stories This Week

Heavy rains forecast across Kenya this weekend, residents urged to take precautions
Charity Kilei |
Tanzania bans use of foreign currencies for local transactions
Maureen Kinyanjui |
Pakistan working on second round of US-Iran peace talks - reports
DW News |
Turkish airlines to suspend 18 international routes starting May
Mary Wambui |
KMTC announces 5,000 training slots for March 2025 intake
Charles Adinda |
State directs Saccos to cover losses from KUSCCO scandal
Eastleigh Voice Reporter |
Govt to slash civil servants’ hardship allowances in policy overhaul, saving Sh6bn annually
Maureen Kinyanjui |
Forgot your Safaricom number? Here is a simple way to get it
Margaret Wanjiru |
Denmark suspends green-sector work permit processing for applicants from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
Rachael Mutabasi |
Gachagua impeachment challenged in Court as lawyers allege constitutional violations
Carolyne Kubwa |
KCSE exam results to be released in January as KNEC enhances cheating scrutiny
Maureen Kinyanjui |
OpenAI reportedly building AI-powered smartphone to rival iPhone
Margaret Wanjiru |
Details of the new salary structure, housing allowance changes for civil servants
Maureen Kinyanjui |
Passport shock: Kenyans to pay Sh12,500 as cheaper options disappear from eCitizen portal
Lucy Mumbi |
UN: Don't allow Israel-Iran conflict to spark new refugee crisis
DW News |
Exclusive: Somali referee Omar Artan secures US visa, cleared to officiate at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Bashir Mbuthia |
Somalia’s risky power extension amid emerging rivalries
Addis Standard |
Nairobi set for rail transformation as gov’t, World Bank partner on 10 major commuter projects
Lucy Mumbi |
OPINION: Shifting alliances, growing threats: Eritrea’s shadow over Tigray, rising risks across northern Ethiopia
Addis Standard |
How to change your name or unlist your number on Truecaller
Margaret Wanjiru |
Nairobi court dismisses money laundering count against Mike Sonko, orders defence on tender charges
Carolyne Kubwa |
Ruto ranked most corrupt person globally after ousted Syrian president Assad
Mary Wambui |
Forbes global rich list (2026)
Charity Pancras |
Fresh gunfire along border rekindles tensions between Uganda and South Sudan
Mwangi Maina |
NTSA’s speed limits on city highways
Charity Pancras |
Explainer: Why the 2026 FIFA World Cup ball comes with battery that needs charging before every match
Bashir Mbuthia |
KUCCPS reopens application portal for 2025 KCSE candidates
Rachael Mutabasi |
2026 KCSE timetable released, exams set to commence on October 19
Maureen Kinyanjui |
16 shortlisted to replace Ahmed Issack Hassan as IPOA chairperson
Lucy Mumbi |
DRC superfan ‘Lumumba’ included in official 2026 FIFA World Cup delegation
Erick Kariuki |