How to sell and export tea from Kenya: licences, the Mombasa auction and direct sales
Kenya is one of the world's largest exporters of black tea. Most of it is CTC tea from smallholders and estates, sold at the weekly Mombasa auction. This guide explains who needs a licence, how the auction works and when tea can be sold directly.
Updated November 6, 2026 · 3 sources
The short answer
Under the Tea Act, 2020, Kenyan tea for export is sold through the auction, except orthodox and specialty teas, which may be sold directly. Growers register with the factory they deliver green leaf to, and factories, brokers and other players are licensed or registered by the Tea Board of Kenya.
Who needs to register
| Who | What the Act requires |
|---|---|
| Small and medium growers | Register with the factory where they deliver green leaf |
| Large growers | Register with the Tea Board of Kenya |
| Factories (manufacturers) | Manufacturing licence from the Board, which also covers packing and blending |
| Brokers, management agents, auction organisers | Register with the Board |
| Green leaf transporters | Register with the Board |
How the Mombasa auction works
- Factories send made tea to registered warehouses in Mombasa.
- A broker catalogues each lot and sends samples to registered buyers.
- Buyers taste the samples and bid in US dollars on the weekly sale.
- Buyers pay the full value before taking the tea; brokers and the auction send the money to the factory within 14 days.
- Factories pay growers, with at least half of the green leaf payment made monthly.
The auction is run by the East African Tea Trade Association and also sells tea from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and other countries in the region.
Selling directly
Orthodox and specialty teas, such as purple, white and green tea, can be sold directly to buyers. On Coffee Parchment, a factory or estate can list its tea with grade, type and photos, and buyers can post what they want.
Tips
- Check the current rules with the Tea Board of Kenya before signing a contract; parts of the Act's regulations have been challenged in court.
- Send pre-shipment samples and agree the grade (for example BP1 or PF1) in the contract.
- Use clear payment terms such as cash against documents or a letter of credit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Kenyan CTC tea outside the auction?
Tea processed in Kenya for export is sold through the auction, except orthodox and specialty teas, which may be sold directly.
Who regulates tea in Kenya?
The Tea Board of Kenya, set up under the Tea Act, 2020, licenses and registers players in the tea industry.
How fast are factories paid after the auction?
The Act requires brokers, buyers and the auction organiser to send sale proceeds to the factory within 14 days of the auction.
Sources
- Tea Board of Kenya: Overview of the Tea Act, 2020 ↗
- Tea Act, 2020 (full text, Tea Board of Kenya) ↗
- Rwanda Mountain Tea: How the Mombasa tea auction works ↗
Checked on November 6, 2026. Laws, rules and prices change: always check the official source before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.