Shipping disruptions linked to the Iran war have left eight million kilograms of Kenyan tea stranded in Mombasa warehouses.
The backlog threatens export earnings and farmer incomes, with losses piling up to $8 million per week since March 1, said George Omuga.
Omuga, managing director of the East Africa Tea Traders Association, said the Middle East halt affects 20-25% of Kenya’s tea exports.
Buyers are reducing purchases because existing stocks remain unsent, while major carriers suspend shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Some vessels are rerouted around Africa, while Gulf-based ships shelter, prompting emergency surcharges that squeeze exporters’ profit margins further, Omuga added.
President William Ruto previously said 81% of tea offered for auction was exported in March, up from 75% a year ago.
Omuga clarified the figure referred to purchases at auction, not actual shipments, with logistical bottlenecks worsening the crisis on the ground.
“Government statements are just to give comfort; the reality does not show a positive outlook,” he said, noting officials did not respond to requests.
Tea shipments to Pakistan and Egypt continue via the longer Cape of Good Hope route, raising freight and insurance costs significantly.
The sector is still recovering from geopolitical shocks, including a drop in Russian tea imports from 29 million kilograms to just five million kilograms.
Omuga urged developing new African markets to shield Kenya’s tea industry from global turmoil and ensure farmers’ livelihoods remain secure.
