The Kenya Tea development Agency (KTDA) wants Sh800 million from the government to build up its production line for high value specialty tea following a surge in demand in the international market.

Agency chairman David Ichoho says it has so far received six-month upfront orders from the international buyers.

Mr Ichoho said they want to put up specialty tea production lines in 10 more factories to cater for the expanded order book.

Mr Ichoho made the request to President William Ruto on Wednesday during the flagging off of tea meant for West Africa under the African Free Trade Continental Area (AfCFTA) pact.

“We are seeking an immediate grant of Sh800 million from the government to facilitate 10 orthodox processing factories to meet the six month orders from our international buyer,” said Mr Ichoho.

KTDA has 12 factories that are currently making orthodox tea and it wants to roll out the processing of this type of beverage to all its factories.