Kenya, Iran set 60-day timeline to end the tea export ban.

Kenya and Iran have agreed to form a joint committee that will work to remove trade barriers within 60 days, paving the way for the lifting of a ban on Kenyan tea exports to the Middle Eastern nation.

The agreement was reached during the 7th Session of the Kenya–Iran Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) held in Nairobi, co-chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Iran’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Gholamreza Nouri Ghezalcheh.

The ban was triggered by an alleged criminal trade malpractice involving a Kenyan firm.

“Before the unfortunate incidence which resulted to the suspension of tea exports to the Republic of Iran, the country was one of the top importers of Kenyan tea.  Tea exports grew from 3.2 metric tons in 2020 to a record high 13 metric tons in 2024, with corresponding values of USD 5 million in 2020 and USD 33 million in 2024.” noted the Prime CS.

“This growth was achieved despite a price cap of USD 2 per kilogram for Kenyan tea which is of premium grade compared with Indian and Sri Lankan teas capped at USD 4.5 per kilogram. The Government of Kenya looks forward to lifting of the ban so that the export of Kenyan tea to Iran may resume.” added Mudavadi.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said both governments had resolved to introduce stringent regulations to safeguard the integrity of Kenyan tea exports.

“Kenya’s tea sector is one of our largest foreign exchange earners, and we must protect it from unscrupulous traders who damage our reputation,” he said.

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The embargo has dealt heavy financial blows to farmers and exporters.

The newly formed joint committee will craft a framework to restore confidence, enforce quality standards, and resume exports before the end of the 60-day timeline.

The JCC provided an opportunity for the two countries to take stock of the deepened partnership and forge new pathways in emerging areas such as climate-smart agriculture, manufacturing, transport and infrastructure, education and training, Customs-to-Customs cooperation and renewable energy among many others.

“Through the past sessions of the JCC, we have established frameworks in areas such as trade, agriculture, health, education, science and technology, energy, and cultural cooperation. This JCC marks not only the continuation of the long-standing and cordial relationship between our two countries, but also a renewed opportunity to chart a more pragmatic, ambitious and results-oriented agenda for mutual posterity.” said Mudavadi.

Mudavadai also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said Kenya continues to position itself as the gateway to the East African region and the rest of Africa as well as a hub for trade and commerce, innovation, logistics and diplomacy.

He welcomed the growing interest from Iranian businesses and institutions in the Kenyan market, and likewise encouraged Kenyan entrepreneurs to explore the vast opportunities that exist in Iran’s dynamic and resilient economy.

“We must deepen our trade and investment ties for inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity. This JCC provides an ideal platform for structured dialogue, policy coordination, and joint programming between our two countries.” he said.