Nestled in the heart of Kericho County, often referred to as the ‘Tea Capital of Kenya,’ Momul Tea Factory stands as a beacon of quality and innovation in the Kenyan tea industry.
Specializing in the production of black CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea, the factory has become a pivotal player in the region’s agricultural landscape.
Tea Farming in Kericho
Kericho’s unique climatic conditions—high altitude, fertile soils, and abundant rainfall—create an ideal environment for tea cultivation.
At Momul, smallholder farmers play a crucial role in supplying the factory with high-quality green leaves. In the 2022/2023 financial year, over 17,000 farmers delivered approximately 27 million kilograms of green leaf, earning a collective compensation of over Ksh 1.7 billion.
The CTC Processing Method
Once harvested, the leaves undergo the CTC processing method, where they are passed through cylindrical rollers with sharp teeth that crush, tear, and curl the leaves into small pellets.
This method accelerates the oxidation process, resulting in a robust flavor profile characteristic of black tea.
Impact on Farmers
The emphasis on quality over quantity has led to increased bonuses for farmers. In the 2023/2024 financial year, Momul Tea Factory paid farmers a bonus of Ksh 73.30 per kilogram of green leaf, the highest in the West Rift Valley region