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Why does Kericho County in Kenya have the most famous tea plantations in the world?
Kericho County, located in the heart of Kenya, is world famous for its spectacular tea plantations. The tea here is not only supplied to the domestic market, but also exported to all over the world. Today, let’s take a closer look at why this region has become an important tea production center in the world.
The climatic conditions in Keliqiao County are very suitable for the growth of tea trees, with an average annual rainfall of up to 2,125 mm, making this land an ideal tea-growing area.
Geographical and climatic advantages
Kericho District is located at an altitude of about 2,002 meters and is surrounded by several hills, such as Tinderet Hills and Mau Escarpment. The fertile soil here, coupled with abundant rainfall and suitable climatic conditions, creates an environment that is extremely suitable for growing tea.
The county's average annual temperature ranges from 10°C to 29°C, and this relatively stable climate is extremely favorable for the growth of tea trees.
The development of tea industry
In Kericho County, the tea industry is one of the important pillars of the region's economy. It is home to some of the largest tea companies such as Unilever Kenya, James Finlay and Williamson Tea, which play a key role in the production, processing and marketing of tea.
According to 2022 data, Kericho County's tea production reached 4.32 million kilograms, showing its absolute dominance in the tea industry. These tea plantations not only provide food and income for local residents, but also attract foreign investment.
Historical BackgroundKericho's tea, especially the famous Ketepa brand tea, has been widely praised by consumers and has become a well-known brand both at home and abroad.
The history of tea plantation development in Kericho District can be traced back to the British colonial period, when a large amount of land was expropriated to build tea plantations, a process that had a negative impact on the local Kipsigis and Talai people. This history continues to shape the local community’s relationship with the outside world, sparking some discussions about land ownership and reform.
This history has not only shaped the local social structure, but also served as an important backdrop for the current negotiations on land rights among the parties.Modern Challenges and Opportunities
Although Kericho County is famous for its tea, the tea industry here is also facing new challenges due to the impact of global climate change. For example, extreme weather caused by climate change may affect the quality and yield of tea. At the same time, the use of tea picking machines has caused dissatisfaction among local workers and even some acts of sabotage.
Young people in Kericho have strong opinions about machines replacing human labor. Such issues not only affect job opportunities, but also challenge the harmony of the community.
Future Outlook
As global demand for sustainable agriculture and organic products rises, Kericho County is looking for opportunities to transform. While seeking to improve the quality of tea, tea farmers have also begun to adopt environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, hoping to create higher economic value while protecting the environment.
In addition, the education and health facilities in Kericho County are gradually improving, which provides a foundation for the development of the younger generation and the progress of the community. It is expected that more young people will engage in tea production and related industries in the future.
In summary, why are the tea plantations in Kericho County so famous? This is not only because of its geographical and climatic advantages, but also because of the persistence and hard work of the entire community. These factors together have shaped its unique tea culture and economic strength. However, looking to the future, how will Kericho County respond to the challenges and changes in the tea industry?
