In short: Kericho Tea Factory is a black tea estate located on John Kerich Rd in Kenya at 2,009 metres above sea level, operated by Browns East Africa Plantations Plc.
Kericho Tea Factory is a black tea estate situated on John Kerich Rd in Kenya's high-altitude tea-growing belt. At 2,009 metres above sea level, the estate is operated by Browns East Africa Plantations Plc. The operation is certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership, though no specific buyer relationships or downstream supply arrangements are currently recorded in trade databases.
Terroir & Climate
At just over 2,000 metres, Kericho Tea Factory occupies an elevation at which Kenyan tea estates typically experience cooler night temperatures and strong diurnal variation. This altitude, combined with the estate's proximity to the equator, tends to support year-round vegetative growth punctuated by peaks that correspond to the bimodal East African rainfall pattern. Estates at this elevation in Kenya generally see slower leaf maturation during cooler periods, which can favour the accumulation of certain secondary metabolites.
The region around John Kerich Rd lies within the broader Kericho tea belt, where deep volcanic soils and reliable moisture distribution are common. High-altitude sites in this part of the Rift Valley highlands often benefit from afternoon cloud cover and mist, moderating temperature extremes. These conditions typically support the cultivation of tea with relatively high polyphenol content, a characteristic associated with the briskness and colour strength for which Kenyan black teas are known in international markets.
Tea Produced
Kericho Tea Factory produces black tea, the dominant category in Kenya's export-focused industry. Teas from estates at this elevation in the Kericho region typically yield a bright, coppery liquor with a brisk, astringent profile and good body. The cup character often associated with high-altitude Kenyan leaf includes a clean, malty backbone and a pronounced strength that performs well in blends. While individual factory profiles vary with processing protocols and seasonal leaf quality, the altitude and terroir of this site are generally consistent with the bold, full-flavoured style that has anchored Kenya's position in commodity and premium black tea markets alike.
Operator
Browns East Africa Plantations Plc operates Kericho Tea Factory. The company's portfolio in our directory currently lists no other estates, suggesting either a focused operation or limited public disclosure of its broader holdings. As an operator active in Kenya's competitive tea sector, Browns East Africa Plantations Plc participates in a market characterised by auction-based price discovery and a diverse mix of smallholder and estate production.
Certifications & Ethics
Kericho Tea Factory holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, a multi-stakeholder initiative that requires members to meet standards on labour rights, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement in working conditions. For buyers, ETP certification provides a degree of supply-chain assurance on social and environmental performance, including monitoring of wages, housing, and occupational health. For workers, the standard is intended to underpin safer conditions, grievance mechanisms, and respect for fundamental rights, though the effectiveness of such schemes depends on the rigour of audits and the estate's day-to-day management practices.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Kericho Tea Factory lies at -0.3676, 35.2851 in John Kerich Rd, Kenya. Its 2009 m elevation is the 70th highest of 201 estates we map in Kenya. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Changana (Changana Tea) — under 1 km away · Kenya
- Kitumbe (Kitumbe Tea) — under 1 km away · Kenya
- Bureti Tea Company Ltd, Kalyet Tea Factory — under 1 km away · Kericho
- Chemalal Tea Factory Ltd — under 1 km away · Kericho
- DL KAPCHEBET (CHIMCHIM) — under 1 km away · Kericho
Observed Climate at Kericho Tea Factory (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Kericho Tea Factory’s coordinates recorded 1,984 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was October (286 mm) and the driest was February (16 mm). Daytime highs averaged 22.4 °C and overnight lows 11.8 °C over the year; February was the warmest month and August the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,984 mm |
| Wettest month | October (286 mm) |
| Driest month | February (16 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 22.4 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 11.8 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kericho Tea Factory located?
Kericho Tea Factory is in John Kerich Rd, Kenya, at coordinates -0.3676, 35.2851, at an elevation of about 2009 metres.
Who operates Kericho Tea Factory?
Kericho Tea Factory is operated by Browns East Africa Plantations Plc, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Kericho Tea Factory produce?
Kericho Tea Factory is recorded as producing black tea.
What certifications does Kericho Tea Factory hold?
Kericho Tea Factory is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Kericho Tea Factory receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,984 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in October (286 mm).
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].
