“On this International Women’s Day, we want to baptize more women into tea and allow them to take charge, we’ll change… we have done a hundred years with men, and we are starting year one with women, we will cause change for the next hundred years, and that’s my blessing.”
Mr. Willy K. Mutai, Chief Executive Officer, Tea Board of Kenya.
The Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) led a sector-wide celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, highlighting the achievements and contributions of women in the Kenyan tea industry. Held at Ernestea, a specialty tea factory in Kericho managed by the Langat sisters, the event emphasized breaking barriers, fostering leadership, and ensuring women’s full participation in the tea sector. The theme of IWD 2025, Accelerate Action, called for urgent steps towards gender equality across all sectors, including tea.
Background and Significance
The event at Ernestea was a strategic choice, as the factory’s history symbolizes female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Owned and managed by nine Langat sisters in honor of their late father, Ambassador Ernest Langat, Ernestea showcases resilience and the potential of family-run businesses. The celebration at this venue reinforced the need for greater inclusion of women in the tea value chain.
Participants and Key Stakeholders
The gathering brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, tea industry leaders, researchers, and advocacy organizations. Among them were:
Government agencies: Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO-TRI), and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO)
Industry stakeholders: Kenya Tea Growers Association, Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), and Independent Tea Producers Association of Kenya
Advocacy and certification organizations: Fairtrade Africa, Rainforest Alliance, Ethical Tea Partnership, and Solidaridad East & Central Africa
Tea business representatives: Browns Plantations, Siomo Tea Factory, Kipchimchim Group, Tegat Tea Factory, and Toror Tea Factory
Media representatives, who helped amplify the discussions and commitments made during the event celebrations.
WhatsApp Us! 
