In short: Kiru is a black tea estate located on Moi Avenue in Kenya at 1,670 metres, operated by Kenya Tea Development Agency.
Kiru is a black tea estate situated on Moi Avenue in Kenya, operating at an altitude of 1,670 metres. The estate is managed by Kenya Tea Development Agency, a significant operator in the Kenyan tea sector. No commercial buyers have been recorded in available supply-chain data.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,670 metres, Kiru occupies a mid-elevation position within Kenya's tea-growing landscape. Estates at this altitude typically experience moderate temperatures and diurnal variation that can slow leaf maturation, potentially contributing to a more developed flavour profile than teas grown at lower elevations. The estate's equatorial latitude, just south of the equator, generally allows for year-round growing conditions, though rainfall patterns and seasonal shifts in temperature can influence flush cycles.
Kenya's volcanic soils, common across much of the country's tea-growing regions, tend to offer good drainage and mineral content. Estates in this elevation band often benefit from reliable moisture without the excessive humidity of lower-lying areas, conditions that can favour steady vegetative growth and consistent leaf quality across multiple plucking rounds.
Tea Produced
Kiru produces black tea. Kenyan black teas from mid-elevation estates typically yield a brisk, full-bodied cup with bright copper liquor and a clean, malty character. Estates at this altitude often produce leaf that processes into CTC or orthodox grades with good colour and strength, characteristics valued in blending markets. The equatorial growing environment tends to favour teas with a straightforward, robust profile rather than the more delicate or floral notes associated with high-altitude estates elsewhere.
Operator
Kenya Tea Development Agency manages Kiru and operates six other estates recorded in our directory. KTDA is a major force in Kenyan tea production, historically overseeing a significant share of the country's smallholder and estate output. The agency's model typically integrates estate management, processing, and marketing functions, positioning member estates to supply both auction and direct channels in the global tea trade.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
KIRU lies at -1.2868, 36.8269 in Moi Avenue, Kenya. Its 1670 m elevation is the joint 2nd highest of 12 estates we map in Moi Avenue. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- GIANCHORE — under 1 km away
- GITHAMBO — under 1 km away
- GITHONGO — under 1 km away
- LITEIN — under 1 km away
- MAKOMBOKI — under 1 km away
Estates at a Similar Altitude to KIRU
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match KIRU (1,670 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. KIRU recorded 769 mm in 2025, 64% less than the 2,130 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAIMOSI | Kaimosi, Kenya | 1,665 m | 1,764 mm | 24.5 °C |
| Himalayan Shangri-La | Mechi Hwy, Nepal | 1,661 m | 2,238 mm | 18.2 °C |
| Njeru Tea Factory | Meru-Nairobi Highway, Kenya | 1,657 m | 890 mm | 22.8 °C |
| Rancabali Tea Estate | Bandung Regency, Indonesia | 1,686 m | 2,986 mm | 21.5 °C |
| Chokanad I | Kerala, India | 1,691 m | 2,773 mm | 21.1 °C |
KIRU Compared with Moi Avenue
In Moi Avenue, KIRU is the driest of the 12 estates by 2025 rainfall; lower than 91% of the others by elevation; cooler than 82% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets KIRU against the 11 other estates we map in Moi Avenue, so you can see whether it is typical for its region or an outlier.
| Measure | KIRU | Region median | Region range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,670 m | 1,670 m | 1,632 to 1,922 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 769 mm | 769 mm | 769 to 1,984 mm |
| Mean daily high | 25.5 °C | 25.5 °C | 21.8 to 25.5 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.8 °C | 14.8 °C | 11.8 to 14.8 °C |
Observed Climate at KIRU (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for KIRU’s coordinates recorded 769 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was May (140 mm) and the driest was February (8 mm). Daytime highs averaged 25.5 °C and overnight lows 14.8 °C over the year; February was the warmest month and August the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 769 mm |
| Wettest month | May (140 mm) |
| Driest month | February (8 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 25.5 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.8 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is KIRU located?
KIRU is in Moi Avenue, Kenya, at coordinates -1.2868, 36.8269, at an elevation of about 1670 metres.
Who operates KIRU?
KIRU is operated by Kenya Tea Development Agency, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does KIRU produce?
KIRU is recorded as producing black tea.
How much rain does KIRU receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 769 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in May (140 mm).
How does KIRU compare with estates at a similar elevation?
KIRU recorded 769 mm in 2025, 64% less rain than the 2,130 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].
