Challenges and Impact of Tea Farming and Economic Transformation in Kenya: A Case of the Kipsigis Community of Bureti, 2003-2010

Author: Jackline Chepkirui,1Dr. Evans Nyamwaka2and Dr. Daniel R. Kandagor3

Date: 2026

Abstract: The paper examines challenges and impact of tea farming in relation to the economic transformation of the Kipsigis community of Bureti between 2003 and 2010. The study was conducted in Bureti Sub-County in Kericho County, Kenya. The study upon which this paper is embedded was guided by two theories, which are: Dependency and Articulation of Modes of Production Theory. The study targeted those who had attained 45 years and above, especially those who were involved in tea growing at one point in time and those who still grow tea. There were also those who perhaps never grew it, but witnessed its growth and have information on the same. Kenya Tea Development Agency officers were also targeted. The researcher employed snowball sampling to help in identifying reliable informants. A pilot study was done in Konoin which experienced tea growing much earlier than Bureti. The study used descriptive qualitative research design and interview guide to collect data. From the target population, 14 informants were interviewed which formed the basis of the sample size. The number of informants was realized when the researcher had reached a point of saturation. Data analysis entailed discussion of oral information and verbatim discourse. The researcher corroborated primary information with secondary data to ascertain historical evidence. Finally, data was presented qualitatively. The findings of the study revealed that there were immense challenges witnessed by tea growers in Bureti. These include, inadequate buying centres, low price, poor transportation system, delayed payments, delayed collection of tea leaf and labour shortage in relation to 2007-2008 post-election violence. The following were found as impacts of tea growing: it led to food shortage and hunger, development of urban centres, development of schools as well as improvement of household income. The findings of the study would avail important information to tea growers in Kenya at large, and more so, to the Kipsigis community of Bureti sub-County. Agents of tea production such as the Kenya Tea Development Authority would also find useful information. The available information would aid the government to strategize better policy formulation to improve tea production in Bureti and other tea-growing regions in the country

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