In a significant milestone celebrating 100 years of Kenyan tea, Karatina University hosted a historic three-day Tea Heritage Week in collaboration with the Tea Board of Kenya. The event drew prominent government officials, industry leaders, and community members to reflect on a century of Kenyan tea and set the stage for the industry’s future. Key partners included KCB, Cooperative Bank, and Kenya Tea Development Agency, among others who joined in supporting the vibrant series of workshops, exhibitions, and educational sessions that spanned three days at Karatina University.
Day 1: A Grand Opening Ceremony and Key Remarks
Kicking off on November 6th, the event brought together high-profile dignitaries, including TBK CEO Mr. Willy K. Mutai, representatives from Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), the Nyeri County Commissioner, Secretary admin Mr. Herman Shambi who was standing in for the PS Culture and Heritage Ms. Ummy Bashir and the Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Paul Ronoh.
The VC addressing the audience during the launch of the Centenary tea celebrations at Karatina University
In his opening remarks, The VC Prof. Linus M. Gitonga, spoke on the theme, “100 Years of Serving Kenyan Tea to the World,” underscoring the university’s unique historical role in tea training and research since its origins as Kagochi Tea Training Centre in the 1950s. He added, “Today, Karatina University proudly celebrates the legacy of Kenyan tea while focusing on the research and innovations that will shape its future.”
Speaking briefly at the event the Count Commissioner Nyeri County Mr. Ronald Mawira urged the students to be good ambassadors of Kenyan Tea including the tea developed at Karatina University among other tea products.
On the other hand, the CEO Tea Board of Kenya Mr. Willy K. Mutai commended the university’s historical and academic contributions noting that the partnership between academia and industry is key to propelling Kenya’s tea industry forward.”
The secretary admin Mr. Herman Shambi on behalf of the PS Culture and Heritage urged the members to set up fully pledged tea museums in Kenya. He stated that the State Department is committed to ensuring that there are fully pledged tea museums in the county to support the tea culture.
In his Keynote address, the Chief Guest, Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Agriculture, urged the members to join hands with Karatina University in Research and innovation. He also encouraged the participants to commercialize Kenyan Tea not only locally but also globally; to achieve this, he indicated that the participants of the various exhibition points needed to change their packaging into unique packaging and designs that are friendly to the environment. He called upon students to channel their academic knowledge into creating new tea products, including those already developed at the university such as tea-based shoe polish, purple tea, and tea yogurt.
PS Dr. Paul Ronoh during the launch of the Centenary celebrations.
Dr. Ronoh also highlighted a tea area calculating software app developed by our student, underscoring the institution’s role in product innovation and research translation into market-ready solutions. He further urged the participants to “join hands with Karatina University in research, innovation, and commercialization of Kenyan tea, both locally and globally.” “We at the state department are here to support you in making history,” he emphasized. He lastly launched the centenary celebrations, urging participants to work together towards creating a better future.
Day 2: Tea Science Series and Industry Site Visits
Some of the Tea products produced by Karatina University
The Tea Science Series on day two featured expert insights from industry leaders and scholars, including the Tea Institute Director Dr. Dennis Maina (Challenges and opportunities inorganic tea production), and other academic and industry stakeholders. Other presentations;
The sessions highlighted cutting-edge research in sustainable tea cultivation, processing innovations, and product development. Attendees were later taken on a tour of the Kangaita Tea Factory, offering a firsthand look at the application of research-driven tea practices in commercial production.
The third day marked a significant milestone for Karatina University with the launch of a specialized tea curriculum designed to address the evolving needs of Kenya’s tea industry. Deputy Governor of Nyeri County, Mr. David Kinaniri, served as the day’s chief guest, joined by TBK Chairman Jacob Kahiu. The new curriculum aims to equip students with specialized skills in tea agronomy, production, and trade through courses such as a Post-Graduate Diploma in Tea Science and Management, and Diplomas in Tea Processing and Quality Assurance.
Members of the Tea Board of Kenya, the acting Deputy vice-chancellors, pose for a photo with the Nyeri Deputy Governor, H.E. David Kinaniri, during the grand finale celebration of Tea Heritage Week.
Deputy Governor Kinaniri praised the university’s commitment to empowering young Kenyans, encouraging them to drive the future of the tea sector. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kellen highlighted the university’s mission, stating, “As a university, our role is to cultivate skilled manpower through research and innovation, supporting the tea industry’s entire value chain. This curriculum launch marks a pivotal step in our journey as the center for tea excellence in Kenya.”
From left the Ag. DVC ARSA Prof. Lucy Ndegwa, Nyeri CECM Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries James Wachihi, Mr. Dunstan Ngumo, Nyeri Deputy Governor H.E David, Chairman of the Board Tea Board of Kenya Mr. Jacob Kahiu and the Acting DVC P,f&A Prof. Kellen Kiambati alongside members of staff during the launch of the new tea curriculum.
Celebrating the Past and Embracing the Future
Throughout the three-day event, attendees participated in tea tastings, panel discussions, and exhibitions featuring brands such as Ragati Tea Factory, Kiriti Tea from Murang’a, and Horera Teas—a boutique tea nurtured by Karatina University’s Tea Institute. These interactive sessions offered an opportunity to experience Kenya’s rich tea history and explore the industry’s future.
As the event concluded, TBK CEO Mutai extended an invitation to the Kenya Tea Summit in Mombasa, which will spotlight the sustainability, innovation, and the global positioning of Kenyan tea.
A Vision Forward
With the successful launch of a specialized tea curriculum, Karatina University is poised to play a crucial role in the next century of Kenyan tea. The institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and preparing skilled professionals reinforces its position as a leader in advancing Kenya’s global tea legacy. The VC commended the steps taken by the tea institute and urged the team to keep walking and making Karatina University a university of global excellence.