February, 2024

Meet our new Kenya Country Manager 

Driving systemic change in Kenya’s tea sector.
Economics Environment Equality Blog Kenya

We’re thrilled to introduce the newest member of the ETP team – our Kenya Country Manger, Brian Ngwiri. With over 14 years’ experience in agricultural supply chains and a strong background in stakeholder management, it’s clear that Brian will make a real impact in his new role as we catalyse long-term, systemic change in Kenya.

Read Brian’s initial reflections as he takes on his new role.

Joining ETP’s team in Kenya marks a pivotal moment in my career, that sees me bring together my understanding of sustainability issues in the country’s tea sector together with my hands-on experience of working on the national government’s tea policy. I’m excited to collaborate with our members and key stakeholders to take forward ETP’s strategic plan in Kenya.

I have spent a significant time in my career working in agricultural supply chains and developed a real understanding of producers’ priorities. This includes 14 years as the Trade Development Manager at the East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) – an organisation that brings together stakeholders from across the tea value chain.

“I’m excited to collaborate with our members and key stakeholders to take forward ETP’s strategic plan in Kenya.”

During my tenure at EATTA, I worked to promote policy changes that would benefit the industry and presented proposals to the national government on how to improve administrative systems and processes in tea. I was also involved in advising national government departments to ensure compliance with international tax and trade regulations, helping streamline the export process. Prior to EATTA, I held senior roles at the Kenya Tourism Board and PricewaterhouseCoopers International (PwC).

I am looking forward to leveraging my industry knowledge and contacts to provide support to ETP Members in Kenya. I am particularly excited to build and manage ETP’s relationships with key stakeholders, including the Kenyan Government.

Through my experience, I have learnt the value of convening forums that result in meaningful activity in the sector. I am keen to create these moments at ETP, and to galvanise action to address the systemic challenges we are seeing related to economics, equality, and the environment.

“I am looking forward to leveraging my industry knowledge and contacts to provide support to ETP Members in Kenya.”

Namely, preparations are already underway for our inaugural Forum here in Kenya in October 2024. This event will see us convene our members, producers, civil society, government stakeholders, and other stakeholders to address the challenges facing the Kenyan tea sector. Click here to read more and register.

Kenya’s economy relies heavily on tea, which accounts for almost a quarter of its foreign exchange. However, the tea sector is facing several sustainability issues. Reading through ETP’s Kenya Country Plan, it’s clear that we are well positioned to work collaboratively to address the complex systemic economic, equality, and environmental issues in tea.

With my strong understanding of the local context and extensive experience in tea, I am confident that together we can realise our vision of a tea sector that is thriving, socially just, and environmentally sustainable.

Find out more