In short: Kathangariri Tea Estate is a black tea producer situated at 1,783 metres in the Mugurumari - Kathangariri Rd region of Kenya, operated by Kenya Tea Development Agency.
Kathangariri Tea Estate is a black tea producer located in the Mugurumari - Kathangariri Rd area of Kenya, at an altitude of 1,783 metres. The estate is operated by Kenya Tea Development Agency, a significant player in the Kenyan smallholder tea sector. No commercial buyers have been recorded in available supply-chain data.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,783 metres above sea level and positioned just south of the equator, Kathangariri occupies an elevation band that typically supports steady tea cultivation year-round in Kenya. Estates at this altitude generally experience moderate temperatures and consistent moisture, conditions that tend to slow leaf development and may contribute to a more concentrated flavour profile in the harvested flush.
The Mugurumari - Kathangariri Rd region lies within Kenya's central highlands, an area where volcanic soils and reliable rainfall patterns are common. Such terroir characteristics are generally associated with vigorous bush growth and the production of leaf that processes well as orthodox or CTC black tea, though specific soil chemistry and microclimate vary from site to site.
Tea Produced
Kathangariri produces black tea. Kenyan teas from estates at middling elevations in the central highlands typically yield a brisk, full-bodied cup with pronounced malty notes and a coppery infusion. Depending on processing style and plucking standard, these teas often show good astringency and colour, qualities valued in blending for breakfast-style formats, though cup character will vary with factory practice and seasonal conditions.
Operator
Kathangariri is operated by Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), which manages tea production on behalf of smallholder farmers organised into cooperative factories. KTDA is the largest manager of smallholder tea in Kenya and operates a network of factories that process leaf from affiliated growers. Records show that the agency operates at least six other estates or factory units listed in our directory, underscoring its central role in the country's tea supply chain.
Certifications & Ethics
Kathangariri holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, an alliance that works to improve social and environmental conditions on tea estates and smallholder farms. ETP membership indicates that the estate or its managing organisation has committed to a programme of continuous improvement across labour rights, health and safety, and environmental stewardship, with progress monitored through regular assessments. For buyers, ETP certification offers a degree of assurance on ethical sourcing standards.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Kathangariri Tea Estate lies at -0.4072, 37.4499 in Mugurumari - Kathangariri Rd, Kenya. Its 1783 m elevation is the 143rd highest of 186 estates we map in Kenya. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Mungania Tea Factory — 6.0 km away · D467
- KENYA TEA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (KTDA) - Mungania — 6.0 km away · PO BOX 927
- Rukuriri Tea Factory — 11 km away · RUKURIRI TEA FACTORY
- Thumaita — 15 km away · Kenya
- NJERU — 15 km away · Box 241 - Meru
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Kathangariri Tea Estate
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Kathangariri Tea Estate (1,783 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Kathangariri Tea Estate recorded 1,051 mm in 2025, 26% less than the 1,427 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilkotagiri | Tamil Nadu, India | 1,780 m | 1,459 mm | 20.9 °C |
| Jun Chiyabari Tea Garden | Dhankuta Municipality Ward No 1, Nepal | 1,786 m | 2,160 mm | 19.4 °C |
| Mara Tea Factory Epz Ltd (Mtfl) | Narok, Kenya | 1,787 m | 1,112 mm | 25.5 °C |
| MOGENI | IKONGE NYAMIRA COUNTY, Kenya | 1,778 m | 1,351 mm | 24.8 °C |
| Dl Teas Tanzania, Kibena Tea Factory- Njombe | Ninga, Tanzania United Republic Of | 1,770 m | 1,053 mm | 21.6 °C |
Kathangariri Tea Estate Compared with Kenya
In Kenya, Kathangariri Tea Estate is drier than 79% of the others by 2025 rainfall; lower than 77% of the others by elevation; cooler than 87% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Kathangariri Tea Estate against the 185 other estates we map in Kenya, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | Kathangariri Tea Estate | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,783 m | 1,990 m | 821 to 2,790 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,051 mm | 1,518 mm | 754 to 2,070 mm |
| Mean daily high | 21.1 °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 Kathangariri Tea Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Kathangariri Tea Estate’s coordinates recorded 1,051 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was August (156 mm) and the driest was February (16 mm). Daytime highs averaged 21.1 °C and overnight lows 12.9 °C over the year; March was the warmest month and August the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,051 mm |
| Wettest month | August (156 mm) |
| Driest month | February (16 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 21.1 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 12.9 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kathangariri Tea Estate located?
Kathangariri Tea Estate is in Mugurumari - Kathangariri Rd, Kenya, at coordinates -0.4072, 37.4499, at an elevation of about 1783 metres.
Who operates Kathangariri Tea Estate?
Kathangariri Tea Estate is operated by Kenya Tea Development Agency, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Kathangariri Tea Estate produce?
Kathangariri Tea Estate is recorded as producing black tea.
What certifications does Kathangariri Tea Estate hold?
Kathangariri Tea Estate is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Kathangariri Tea Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,051 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in August (156 mm).
How does Kathangariri Tea Estate compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Kathangariri Tea Estate recorded 1,051 mm in 2025, 26% less rain than the 1,427 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].
