Kenyan President Dr William Samoei Ruto has officially launched the Lipton Tea Innovation & Technology Academy, whose mission is to transform Kenya into a global hub of excellence in tea cultivation.
Co-funded by the world’s largest tea group and largest buyer of Kenyan tea, LIPTON Teas and Infusions, as well as the Kenyan Ministry of Education and Kabianga University, the Academy is the first tertiary institution dedicated to tea.
The Academy will train around 3,000 Kenyans annually to support the development of the country’s largest export industry, in addition to producing high-quality raw materials and creating talent that is in demand worldwide.
By creating an international pinnacle of quality and responsible practices, the Academy will further cement Kenyan tea’s provenance as synonymous with superior value, which in turn will help improve living standards across the region.
Kenya already produces some of the best tea in the world, and the country’s highlands are renowned for their ideal climate and conditions. Tea accounts for around 23% of Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings, and around 5 million people in the country are directly or indirectly involved in its production. The Academy will particularly encourage and support women’s education and empowerment. It is estimated that around 60% of workers in the Kenyan tea industry are women.
The Academy will provide vocational training, as well as courses at the Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels. The curricula have been structured to create the highest standards in tea growing, plucking and processing, and range from entry-level business skills and farm income diversification to cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovation.