KARATINA UNIVERSITY SHOWCASES INNOVATION AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AT THE INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY CELEBRATIONS

Karatina University was among the key participants at the International Tea Day Celebrations held on 21st May 2025 at Gacharage Tea Factory in Murang’a County. The team led by the Director Tea Institute joined stakeholders from across the tea sector to celebrate the industry’s contribution to livelihoods, climate resilience, and economic development. The event, held under the theme “Celebrating Tea for Sustainable Livelihoods and Climate Resilience,” attracted a wide range of partners, including government agencies, tea farmers, processors, researchers, and academic institutions.

Karatina University stood out with a vibrant exhibition tent where the institution marketed its academic programs, especially those under the University Industry and the Tea Institute. Visitors were introduced to the university’s growing portfolio of tea-related academic programs and ongoing research initiatives designed to support the tea industry through innovation, sustainability, and capacity building.

The Senior Laboratory Technician Ms. Dinah Ochami explaining to the CS Hon. Mutahi Kagwe about the products developed by Karatina University during the international Tea Day.

The event was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, who commended Karatina University for its efforts in aligning academic training with industry needs. He particularly recognized the university’s commitment to student involvement in tea research and innovation, as well as the development of specialized tea-related academic programs.

“Karatina University continues to play a pivotal role in equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to transform the tea sector. Their work in research and innovation is exemplary,” remarked the Cabinet Secretary as he visited the Karatina University booth.

The team during the international Tea Day Celebrations

One of the highlights of the day was a presentation by Dr. Dennis Maina, the Director of the Tea Institute at Karatina University, who addressed the audience on “The Role of Innovation in Sustainable Tea Production and Processing.” Dr. Maina emphasized the importance of integrating technology and research into the value chain to ensure tea farming remains viable in the face of climate change and global market dynamics.

International Tea Day aims to raise awareness of the long history and deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world. For Karatina University, the celebration served as a strategic platform to reinforce its dedication to sustainable agriculture, community development, and impactful academic-industry partnerships