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Kericho Tea Factories
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Industrial site
Kericho is the undisputed capital of Kenya's tea industry, home to vast rolling plantations and some of the largest tea processing factories in the world. Located in the highlands west of the Great Rift Valley, the area’s unique combination of volcanic soil and consistent afternoon rainfall creates the well-suited environment for premium tea cultivation. The factories here, operated by multinational corporations such as James Finlay and Lipton Teas and Infusions, alongside the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), process millions of tons of green leaf annually using advanced machinery. Most factories employ the 'Crush, Tear, Curl' (CTC) method to produce the robust black tea for which Kenya is globally renowned. The industry is the economic lifeblood of Kericho County, supporting the livelihoods of over 200,000 workers including pluckers, technicians, and logisticians. In response to global trends, many Kericho factories have achieved Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certifications, emphasizing sustainable production and worker welfare. The region's lush green 'carpet' of tea bushes remains one of Kenya's most iconic agricultural and tourist landscapes.
- Location: Kenya
- Top sights: Kericho · Roman Catholic Diocese of Kericho · Kericho District
- Nearby: Litein (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 46 | 122 | 221 | 160 | 88 | 67 | 90 | 95 | 121 | 163 | 112 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The tea factories in Kericho are the hub of Kenyan tea processing, where large volumes of high-quality tea are packaged for export. They transform freshly plucked leaves into finished tea varieties, thus being a crucial link in the value chain.
Visiting
Factory visits are possible through guided tours that usually need to be arranged in advance. During the tour, one can observe the drying, fermentation, and packaging process, often with a tea tasting included.
Where to view it
From outside, the factories are large, modern buildings with ventilation towers, visible from nearby roads. The surrounding tea fields, however, provide a better photographic backdrop, especially with the factory in the distance.
Local products
In the factory shops, one can buy packaged tea directly from current production, often in various blends and brands. Single-estate teas from the region and gift sets with local honey are also popular.
Active season
The factories operate year-round, but the highest processing activity occurs during and right after the main harvest seasons in March-May and October-November. At this time, machines often run around the clock to handle the fresh crop.
Nearby
Combine a factory tour with a trip to the Kericho Tea Plantations to understand the whole process from field to cup. Visiting the nearby Maasai market in Kericho also gives a good chance to buy local handicrafts.
Geography
Facts
- Global rank: Kenya is the world's leading exporter of black tea
- Climate: Over 1,800mm of annual rainfall
- Major operators: James Finlay, Lipton, and KTDA
- Processing method: CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl)
- Economic impact: Tea contributes about 4% to Kenya's national GDP
- Altitude: Approximately 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Kericho Tea Factories (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Kericho known for?
Kericho is the hub of Kenya's tea industry, featuring vast, lush green tea estates.
Can you visit the tea factories?
Some factories offer guided tours where you can learn the journey of tea from leaf to cup.
When is the best time to visit?
Possible year-round, but the estates are greenest after the rainy season (May, June).
Is photography allowed in the tea estates?
Yes, the landscapes are very photogenic and freely accessible from public roads.
Are there tea tastings on-site?
Many factories and hotels in Kericho offer tastings of different Kenyan tea varieties.
Kericho Tea Factories: where is it located?
Kericho Tea Factories is located in Kenya.
Kericho Tea Factories: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kericho, Roman Catholic Diocese of Kericho, Kericho District.
Kericho Tea Factories: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
Kericho Tea Factories: why is it worth visiting?
Kericho is the undisputed capital of Kenya's tea industry, home to vast rolling plantations and some of the largest tea processing factories in the world.
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