By Lauryne Akoth
The President unveiled a notable agricultural initiative, the Lipton Tea Innovation and Technology Academy, at State House on February 22nd.
The event was graced by esteemed personalities, including Nathalie Roos, the CEO of Lipton Teas and Infusions, accompanied by her corporate team, the Dutch Ambassador to Kenya, the Vice Chancellor of Kabianga University, and other dignitaries.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu revealed that the launch resulted from discussions between the Kenyan Government and Lipton’s CEO, Nathalie Roos, initiated on May 8th last year. During the launch, Machogu emphasized that the academy, situated at Kabianga University, will not only train students in tea farming but also facilitate research on tea-related matters.
Machogu added that the center would educate farmers on advanced farming techniques to enhance tea quality and yield while addressing contemporary issues like climate change through Lipton’s technology to reduce carbon footprint.
Nathalie Roos applauded the partnership, stating, “Lipton Tea Academy will blend theoretical teaching, applied research, and practical experience.” She highlighted that the Lipton group would provide Kabianga University free access to decades’ worth of intellectual property developed by their scientists.
Roos emphasized that the academy’s launch would benefit all industry stakeholders and signify a novel model of economic development for Kenya. The collaboration with Lipton promises increased revenues for Kenyan farmers engaged in tea farming.
This initiative marks a significant achievement for the government, as the President has been actively pursuing agricultural projects. On February 16th, he inaugurated the Rwabura Irrigation Project Phase, benefiting over 5,000 farmers and generating 25,000 jobs.
He also commissioned the Mathira Community Water Supply Project, which is set to benefit more than 25,000 people in Ihwagi Nyeri County.
“The government is scaling up investment in irrigation to enhance the country’s food production capacity,” President William Ruto said in Gatundu, Kiambu County when he commissioned the Rwabura irrigation project.
During the academy’s launch, the President revealed that the parliament passed legislation in the finance bill to eliminate taxes on tea packaging materials, especially those intended for export. He committed to finalizing the process, making packaging materials importable into Kenya without taxes to boost value addition in the country.
President Ruto also announced the integration of all TVETS in tea-growing regions into the academy to ensure research and training reach across all tea-growing areas nationwide.