Tehmeena Manji: Elevating Kenya’s Tea Industry with Passion

Tehmeena Manji’s story is one of passion, determination, and a commitment to quality, perfectly illustrating the vibrant tapestry of Kenya’s tea industry.

 As the founder of Muthaiga Tea Company, she has carved out a niche in the competitive tea market by combining her expertise with innovative practices.

 Born in 1989 in Nairobi, Tehmeena’s fascination with tea began at a young age, evolving from a curious child to a renowned tea sommelier and entrepreneur.

Educational Foundation

Tehmeena’s academic journey took root at St. Mary’s School in Nairobi, where she developed a keen interest in culinary arts and agriculture.

 Her pursuit of a degree in Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Nairobi, which she completed in 2011, provided her with a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of food production and quality control. This background would become invaluable as she embarked on her entrepreneurial path.

The Birth of Muthaiga Tea Company

Tehmeena officially launched Muthaiga Tea Company in 2017, driven by a mission to provide high-quality, ethically sourced tea for both local and international markets. 

Recognizing Kenya’s status as one of the largest tea producers globally, she saw untapped potential in premium tea products.

 Starting with an initial investment of KSh 1 million (approximately $10,000), Tehmeena sourced high-quality tea leaves from smallholder farmers in Kericho, an area known for its rich soil and favorable climate for tea cultivation. She prioritized sustainable farming practices, ensuring her suppliers adhered to ethical and environmentally friendly methods.

A Snapshot of Muthaiga Tea Company

Since its inception, Muthaiga Tea Company has witnessed remarkable growth.

 By 2023, the company reported an annual revenue of approximately KSh 50 million (around $450,000) and employed around 25 full-time staff while collaborating with over 100 smallholder farmers.

 Headquartered in Nairobi, with sourcing operations in Kericho, Muthaiga Tea Company offers a diverse portfolio of over ten different brands, including the signature “Muthaiga Classic” blend, flavored teas, and herbal infusions.

Building a Unique Brand

Tehmeena’s passion for tea led her to pursue further education in tea tasting and blending, culminating in a professional course as a tea sommelier in Sri Lanka in 2018. 

This knowledge proved crucial as she crafted unique blends that set Muthaiga Tea Company apart.

 In 2019, the company launched its first line of premium teas, including “Muthaiga Classic,” which quickly gained popularity among tea connoisseurs, praised for its rich flavor profile and high-quality leaves.

Innovative packaging designs that emphasized the premium nature of her products further enhanced the brand’s appeal. Muthaiga Tea gained traction in the local market, with sales increasing by 150% in its first year, leading to the expansion of its product line to include flavored teas and herbal infusions by 2020.

Recognition and Challenges

Tehmeena’s dedication to quality and sustainability resonated with consumers, leading to her products appearing in upscale hotels, restaurants, and specialty stores across Kenya.

 In 2021, Muthaiga Tea Company was recognized as the “Best New Tea Brand” at the Kenya National Tea Awards.

 This accolade validated her efforts and facilitated international distribution, allowing her to export products to Europe and North America.

However, challenges emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as global supply chain disruptions impacted her ability to source tea leaves. 

Tehmeena demonstrated resilience by pivoting to online sales and developing a direct-to-consumer platform, allowing customers to purchase tea directly from the company. 

This strategic shift helped sustain the business during the pandemic, leading to a doubling of online sales by 2022, with a significant percentage of revenue coming from international markets.

Attributes of a Successful Entrepreneur

Reflecting on the essential attributes for success in business, Tehmeena emphasizes resilience, passion, and adaptability.

 “You need to have resilience. It’s the ability to bounce back from challenges that sets successful entrepreneurs apart,” she notes.

 She also admires the late Prof. Wangari Maathai, the renowned environmentalist, for her commitment to sustainable development, stating, “Her legacy encourages us to consider our responsibility to the planet.”

Future Aspirations

As of 2023, Tehmeena continues to lead Muthaiga Tea Company with a vision to expand into the global market while promoting sustainable practices within the tea industry. 

She advocates for fair wages for farmers and aims to launch workshops educating consumers about tea appreciation and the art of tasting.

Kenya’s Tea Legacy and Economic Impact

Muthaiga Tea Company’s success reflects the broader significance of tea in Kenya, where the country ranks third globally in tea production after China and India. Kenyan tea is highly rated for its quality, sustainability, and diverse varieties.

 With exports generating approximately KSh 140 billion (around $1.2 billion) in 2022, tea is a vital contributor to Kenya’s economy, providing employment to over 600,000 smallholder farmers and funding community development projects in tea-growing regions.

In summary, Tehmeena Manji’s journey with Muthaiga Tea Company exemplifies how passion, education, and perseverance can lead to significant contributions to Kenya’s tea industry. Her commitment to quality and sustainability sets a standard for others, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs in the country. Through her innovative practices, Tehmeena is shaping the future of tea in Kenya, ensuring that the legacy of this vital industry continues to thrive.

Keywords:Tehmeena Manji: Muthaiga Tea Company: Kenyan tea industry: Sustainable tea practices: Tea market exports