The government has ordered the immediate cancellation of all tea trading licenses held by a local exporting company over alleged irregular dealings with the Islamic Republic of Iran that have disrupted Kenya's tea access to that market.

In a directive issued to the Tea Board of Kenya, Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh instructed that all licenses issued to the company and its matesdiplomatic and commercial tensions after Iran reportedly suspended imports of Kenyan tea due to issues surrounding trade compliance and contract breaches involving the company.

The Principal Secretary said the action is part of wider reforms in the tea industry aimed at ensuring accountability and stability. He noted that the firm’s dealings had disrupted Kenya’s tea flow to Iran, which is among the country’s key export destinations alongside Oman.

"We have taken this serious direction to bring order to the tea sector. This is among the many reforms we are undertaking in the tea sector," Ronoh said.

The communication was also sent to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and East African Tea Trade Association Managing Director George Omuga.

The firm, a Kenya-based tea exporter, has over the years positioned itself as a prominent player in the tea value chain. It has sourced a variety of premium teas directly from Kenyan estates, including both CTC and orthodox varieties, and has actively participated in the Mombasa Tea Auction.

Its product range features well-known grades such as BP1, PF1, Dust, and Orthodox OP1. Some of its offerings are branded as halal and organic certified.

The company has marketed itself as a modern exporter focused on quality and safety, holding several industry certifications including ISO 22000, HACCP, and GMP.

It has also raised its international profile by attending global trade exhibitions such as the Engage Trade Africa summit in Cape Town and other corporate branding events designed to boost Kenyan tea’s global visibility.