In short: Changoi is a Kenyan black tea estate in the Cheborge region, operated by Williamson Tea at an elevation of 1,803 metres and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Changoi is a tea estate located in the Cheborge region of Kenya, positioned at an elevation of 1,803 metres. The property is operated by Williamson Tea, one of the major tea producers in East Africa. The estate specialises in the production of black tea, the dominant commercial category in Kenya's export portfolio.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,803 metres above sea level, Changoi occupies a mid-to-high elevation band that is typical of many Kenyan tea-growing areas. Estates at this altitude generally experience cooler temperatures and more moderate diurnal variation than lowland plantations, conditions that tend to slow leaf development and can contribute to greater biochemical complexity in the plucked material. The Cheborge region lies within Kenya's western highlands, where the interplay of equatorial latitude and elevation typically creates a year-round growing environment with two peak flush periods corresponding to the long and short rains.
Kenya's tea districts are shaped by volcanic soils, reliable rainfall distribution, and the moderating influence of altitude on temperature extremes. Estates in this elevation range often benefit from well-drained red soils and consistent moisture, factors that generally support vigorous vegetative growth and high oxidative enzyme activity in the leaf—traits that underpin the brisk, full-bodied character for which Kenyan black tea is known in global markets.
Tea Produced
Changoi produces black tea, reflecting the near-total dominance of orthodox and CTC black manufacture in Kenya's commercial sector. Teas from estates at this elevation and latitude typically yield a bright, coppery liquor with a brisk, astringent profile and full body. The cup character common to western Kenyan highland teas often includes malty or slightly fruity notes, with a clean finish and the strength to stand up to milk. While specific processing methods at Changoi are not documented here, the region's teas are generally valued by blenders for their consistency, colour, and robust flavour—a combination that has made Kenyan leaf a backbone of everyday blends in the UK and other major consuming markets.
Operator
Changoi is operated by Williamson Tea, a long-established producer with significant holdings across East Africa. Williamson Tea operates two other estates recorded in this directory, reflecting the scale and geographic spread typical of larger vertically integrated tea companies in the region. The company manages cultivation, processing, and in many cases direct export, positioning it as a significant player in the supply of Kenyan tea to international auction and private-sale channels.
Certifications & Ethics
Changoi holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, a multi-stakeholder initiative that sets standards for labour rights, environmental stewardship, and supply-chain transparency. For buyers, ETP certification provides independent assurance that the estate is monitored against a framework covering working conditions, grievance mechanisms, and sustainable agronomic practice. For workers and surrounding communities, membership signals a commitment—subject to third-party audit—to improved welfare standards and ongoing capacity-building in areas such as health, safety, and fair employment.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
CHANGOI lies at -0.6907, 35.1111 in 124- Cheborge, Kenya. Its 1803 m elevation is the joint 137th highest of 186 estates we map in Kenya. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Sotik Highlands Tea Estate, Kelunet — under 1 km away · Bomet
- Sotik Highlands Tea Estate, Mettarora — under 1 km away · Bomet
- Arroket Tea Estate — under 1 km away · Sotik
- Sasini Plc., Kipkebe Tea Factory — 8.1 km away · Kericho
- Evergreen Tea Factory Ltd (Egtf), Manaret — 14 km away · Bomet
Estates at a Similar Altitude to CHANGOI
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match CHANGOI (1,803 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. CHANGOI recorded 1,021 mm in 2025, 35% less than the 1,577 mm average across these estates: at the same height, local weather and exposure matter as much as elevation.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coonoor Tea Estate | Yedapalli, India | 1,802 m | 1,467 mm | 20.1 °C |
| Yellapatty Tea Estate | Dist. Kerala, India | 1,805 m | 2,094 mm | 20.9 °C |
| Kenya Tea Development Agency, Eberege | Kisii, Kenya | 1,798 m | 1,371 mm | 24.3 °C |
| Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara | Central, Uganda | 1,808 m | 1,396 mm | 23.1 °C |
| Momul Tea Factory | Kaplelwo, Kenya | 1,811 m | 1,558 mm | 24.7 °C |
CHANGOI Compared with Kenya
In Kenya, CHANGOI is drier than 85% of the others by 2025 rainfall; lower than 75% of the others by elevation; warmer than 84% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets CHANGOI against the 185 other estates we map in Kenya, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | CHANGOI | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,803 m | 1,990 m | 821 to 2,790 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,021 mm | 1,518 mm | 754 to 2,070 mm |
| Mean daily high | 25.1 °C | 22.4 °C | 16.8 to 30.2 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 12.9 °C | 12.0 °C | 8.5 to 19.8 °C |
Observed Climate at CHANGOI (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for CHANGOI’s coordinates recorded 1,021 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was March (169 mm) and the driest was February (12 mm). Daytime highs averaged 25.1 °C and overnight lows 12.9 °C over the year; February was the warmest month and July the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,021 mm |
| Wettest month | March (169 mm) |
| Driest month | February (12 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 25.1 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 12.9 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is CHANGOI located?
CHANGOI is in 124- Cheborge, Kenya, at coordinates -0.6907, 35.1111, at an elevation of about 1803 metres.
Who operates CHANGOI?
CHANGOI is operated by Williamson Tea, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does CHANGOI produce?
CHANGOI is recorded as producing black tea.
What certifications does CHANGOI hold?
CHANGOI is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does CHANGOI receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,021 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in March (169 mm).
How does CHANGOI compare with estates at a similar elevation?
CHANGOI recorded 1,021 mm in 2025, 35% less rain than the 1,577 mm average of estates at a similar elevation.
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
