The Tea Research Foundation Of Kenya

Introduction

The Tea Research Foundation of Kenya (TRFK), was established in 1980 to replace the former Tea Research Institute of East Africa (TRIEA) with the objects "to promote research and investigate problems related to tea and such other crops and systems of husbandry as are associated with tea throughout Kenya including the productivity (yield), quality and suitability of land in relation to tea planting; and matters ancillary thereto".

Research focuses therefore on development of improved clones, appropriate technologies for improvement of yield (quantity of green tea leaf/made tea per hectare) and quality of tea products.

This is done through development of appropriate practices for tea production including breeding, clonal selection, correct plant nutrition, optimal crop husbandry methods, crop physiological studies, control of major pests and diseases, tea manufacture, marketing and utilization of finished products.

TRFK STRATEGIC PLAN (2010 - 2015)

The Foundation currently has an operational five year Strategic Plan (July 2010-June 2015).This document charts the way forward by identifying the strategic objectives, strategies and activities for implementation over the plan period.

Being a living document, the Strategic Plan is frequently reviewed to be in line with changing circumstances and need of the tea industry. The Foundation also takes cognizance of the government development agenda for the tea sub-sector as laid out in its blue prints from time to time.

History Of Research In Tea Clones

History Of Tea Research Tea was first introduced in Kenya around 1904. The early introductions were brought into the country in form of seed. Being highly self-incompatible and predominantly out-crossing, tea tends to produce highly heterogeneous progenies. The early introductions were therefore highly variable forming the initial populations of mixed genotypes. Uniformity and stability in yield and quality of the mixed genotypes could not be maintained; hence this necessitated the search for more uniform high yielding tea cultivars.

Organized tea improvement started with the formation of Tea Research Institute of East Africa (TRIEA) in 1961, and later the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya in 1980 with a mandate for research on all aspects of tea. The department of Botany was given the mandate of plant improvement hence the development of elite planting cultivars through breeding and selection.

Vision And Mission

Vision

To be a Global leader in research on tea.

MISSION

To Generate and disseminate sustainable technologies and knowledge through innovative research for improved productivity, processing, value addition and marketing of the Kenyan tea while conserving the environment.

Latest News

Antioxidant Capacity of Kenyan Tea

Processed tea is one of the most popular beverages. It is manufactured from the young tender leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. Two types of tea products are most widely consumed; green and black tea.

Events Calendar

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Staff Mail

Services

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TRFK’s Laboratory services main objective is to provide reliable, accurate and timely analytical testing services on all issues relating to tea throughout Kenya.