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The Ministry of Education Monday signed a landmark collaboration agreement with Lipton Teas and Infusions, marking the official establishment of a Tea Academy at the University of Kabianga in Kericho County, aimed at transforming Kenya’s tea industry through advanced training, research, and climate-smart farming practices.
The partnership, which also involves Ekaterra Global Operations the corporate entity behind Lipton comes nearly two years after initial discussions between President William Ruto and Lipton’s CEO Nathalie Roos in May 2023.
Speaking during the ceremony, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migos Ogamba hailed the initiative as a significant step towards aligning education with industry needs, adding that the agreement will be a major boost for tea farmers in the region, who stand to benefit from enhanced production techniques and access to global best practices.
“This is the culmination of a long but productive journey. Our farmers will now have access to cutting-edge knowledge and skills that will enhance tea quality and increase yields.” Said Ogamba
He said the Tea Academy will be based at the University of Kabianga, which is strategically located in the heart of Kenya’s tea-growing belt and will serve as a hub for farmer training, research, and innovation focused on sustainable tea production and climate resilience.
“The Academy will expose our farmers to technologies that address climate change, promote low-carbon practices, and improve productivity. It is an excellent opportunity for farmers to benefit from the expertise of one of the world’s leading tea companies,” added Ogamba
He said the collaboration is designed not only to boost productivity but also to increase the earnings of smallholder farmers, adding that by adopting modern and sustainable practices, farmers are expected to command better prices on both local and international markets.
The Cabinet Secretary, Ogamba, emphasized the government’s broader vision for higher education institutions to become engines of innovation and development, adding that the Tea Academy will play a critical role in helping Kenya maintain its reputation as a leading global exporter of high-quality tea.
“The future and sustainability of our universities depend on strategic partnerships such as this. We expect institutions to engage in cutting-edge research and commercialize innovations that can transform industries,” he said.
With implementation expected to commence immediately, stakeholders expressed optimism that the Tea Academy would begin operations by the end of 2025, with its first cohort of farmers and researchers enrolled shortly thereafter.
Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, who also graced the occasion, commended the government for the establishment of the Lipton Tea Innovation and Technology Academy (LTITA) at the University of Kabianga, saying it will drive cutting-edge research, innovation, and value addition in tea production, ultimately boosting farmers’ earnings.
“As a County Government, we welcome the inaugural academy which we expect will train over 3,000 Kenyans annually to build globally competitive talent for the tea industry.” Said Dr. Mutai.
