The President of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Samoyei Ruto, has officially established the Lipton Tea Innovation and Technology Academy, whose mission is to make Kenya a global center of advanced technology and knowledge in tea cultivation.
Established jointly by LIPTON Teas and Infusions, the world's largest tea group and largest purchaser of Kenyan tea, the Government of Kenya's Ministry of Education and Kabianga University, the academy is the first tertiary institution dedicated to tea. It's an institution. .
As many as 3,000 Kenyans will receive specialized training at the academy each year, helping to develop the country's largest export industry, which goes beyond producing superior raw materials to developing the talent needed around the world.
By creating an international pinnacle of quality and responsible practices, the Academy will further strengthen Kenyan tea's designation of origin as synonymous with premium value, which in turn will contribute to improving living standards across the region.
Kenya already grows some of the world's finest tea, and the country's highlands are known for its perfect climate and conditions. Tea accounts for approximately 23% of Kenya's total foreign exchange earnings, and approximately 5 million people in the country are directly or indirectly involved in tea production. The Academy particularly encourages and supports the education and empowerment of women. It is estimated that around 60% of workers in Kenya's tea industry are women.
The academy offers vocational training as well as courses at bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. The curriculum is structured to produce the highest standards of tea cultivation, harvesting and processing, and ranges from introductory business skills and farm income diversification to advanced scientific research and innovation.
His Excellency President Ruto, President of Kenya, said: “This pioneering initiative will position Kenya as a global hub for training the highest quality tea professionals and foster innovation and technology transfer across the tea value chain.” upskilling the tea industry, thereby driving the transformation of the tea industry for maximum benefit to households, the value chain and the national economy. ”
LIPTON Teas and Infusions is offering free intellectual property, including drought and pest tolerance development, as well as remote sensing and AI-enhanced analytics, as part of its commitment to improving the tea industry and creating value for everyone. It is licensed by.
Natalie Roos, CEO of LIPTON Teas and Infusions, said: This academy reinforces our commitment to the Kenyan tea industry and the efforts we are taking to raise standards in terms of quality, protection of people and the environment. Higher education, accessible to more people, is the foundation of our shared future. The Lipton Tea Innovation & Technology Academy will produce outstanding and renowned talent that is sought after by all tea producing regions around the world. ”
Kabianga University was chosen to host the academy because it is located in the heart of Kenya's tea producing region and is easily accessible to workers and professionals. It also has its own tea gardens that can be used for training and research, and has a thriving school of agricultural sciences.
Professor Eric Koech (PhD, MBS), Vice-Chancellor of Kabianga University, said: We partner with LIPTON Teas and Infusions to work on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. ”
The Academy's curriculum and academic research program will be developed locally in partnership with LIPTON Teas and Infusions' long-standing partners, Cranfield University and Oxford University in the UK.
Professor Mette Morsing, Director of the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment at the University of Oxford, said: industry. We are excited about the launch of the Lipton Tea Innovation & Technology Academy and the opportunity it provides to disseminate new knowledge and best practices and drive positive change in the industry. ”
Professor Andrew Thompson, Head of Soil, Agri-Food and Biosciences at Cranfield University, UK, said: We will support the development of the next generation of Kenyan farmers and researchers, who will be critical to driving future innovation. ”
The academy is currently accepting student registrations ahead of the first courses, which are expected to begin towards the end of the year.
Attending or planning to attend World Tea Expo March 18-20, 2024
Learn about other major developments, trends, issues, hot topics and products in the global tea community at World Tea, held March 18-20, 2024 in Las Vegas and coinciding with the Bar & Restaurant Expo. Plan to attend the expo. Visit WorldTeaExpo.com.
If you would like to book sponsorship or exhibition space at the World Tea Conference + Expo, or inquire about advertising or sponsorship opportunities with World Tea News, please contact us at:
Ellainy Karaboitis-Christopoulos, Business Development Manager, Quetex
Phone: +1-212-895-8493; Email: [email protected]
Also, stay connected with World Tea Expo on social media for more information and insights about the event.follow me XFacebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.
