In short: Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd is a black tea estate in Nakuru, Kenya, operating at 2,425 metres and recorded as a supplier to Finlays.
Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd is a tea estate and processing facility in the Nakuru region of Kenya, operating at an altitude of 2,425 metres. The estate is self-operated under the same company name and is recorded as supplying black tea to Finlays, a significant actor in the global tea trade.
Terroir & Climate
At 2,425 metres, Kiptagich occupies one of the higher elevations in Kenya's tea-growing belt. Estates at this altitude typically experience cooler temperatures and greater diurnal variation than their lower-altitude counterparts, conditions that tend to slow leaf maturation and can encourage the development of more complex biochemical compounds in the flush. The Nakuru region, situated in the Rift Valley, generally benefits from reliable rainfall patterns distributed across two main seasons, supporting year-round cultivation.
High-altitude sites such as this often yield leaf with greater density and a slower, more controlled oxidation during processing. The equatorial latitude means day length remains relatively constant throughout the year, while the elevation moderates temperature extremes. These factors together typically favour the production of black teas with structure and depth, though specific outcomes depend heavily on factory technique and the timing of plucking.
Tea Produced
Kiptagich produces black tea, the dominant style across Kenya's commercial estates. Teas from high-altitude Kenyan factories typically exhibit brisk, bright liquor with notable body and a clean, sometimes malty or slightly astringent character. The elevation and climate of the Nakuru region tend to support teas with good colour and strength, qualities prized in blending for both packet tea and foodservice applications. Specific cup profiles will vary with season, leaf grade, and processing parameters at the factory.
Supply Chain & Market Position
Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd is recorded as a supplier to Finlays, one of the world's largest vertically integrated tea businesses with extensive blending, packing, and distribution operations. This connection suggests the estate's output is directed into professional supply chains serving retail brands and foodservice clients, rather than sold primarily through the Mombasa auction. Such relationships typically require consistent quality standards and volume reliability, indicating that Kiptagich operates as a recognised participant in Kenya's export-focused tea sector.
- Recorded supplier to Finlays
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd lies at -0.5886, 35.5947 in Nakuru, Kenya. Its 2425 m elevation is the 6th highest of 186 estates we map in Kenya. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- TACHASIS — 4.0 km away · OLENGURUONE
- Kenya Tea Development Agency, Olenguruone — 4.2 km away · Kericho
- Chemusian Tea Factory — 4.2 km away
- TINET — 4.2 km away · Olenguruone
- Kisyet Tea Limited — 25 km away · Bomet
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd (2,425 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd recorded 1,382 mm in 2025, within 5% of the 1,376 mm average across these estates, so altitude explains most of its rainfall.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUBAYA | Kabaya, Rwanda | 2,379 m | 1,199 mm | 18.1 °C |
| NSHILI KIVU | Kigali, Rwanda | 2,372 m | 1,382 mm | 18.6 °C |
| KIPSINENDE | Iten, Kenya | 2,361 m | 1,056 mm | 20.5 °C |
| Werraka | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 2,302 m | 1,148 mm | 22.6 °C |
| CHUNDAVURRAI | Kannan Devan Hills, India | 2,299 m | 2,094 mm | 17.9 °C |
Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd Compared with Kenya
In Kenya, Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd is drier than 57% of the others by 2025 rainfall; higher than 97% of the others by elevation; cooler than 93% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd against the 185 other estates we map in Kenya, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,425 m | 1,989 m | 821 to 2,790 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,382 mm | 1,518 mm | 754 to 2,070 mm |
| Mean daily high | 20.5 °C | 22.4 °C | 16.8 to 30.2 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 9.7 °C | 12.0 °C | 8.5 to 19.8 °C |
Observed Climate at Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd’s coordinates recorded 1,382 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was October (182 mm) and the driest was February (5 mm). Daytime highs averaged 20.5 °C and overnight lows 9.7 °C over the year; March was the warmest month and August the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,382 mm |
| Wettest month | October (182 mm) |
| Driest month | February (5 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 20.5 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 9.7 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd located?
Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd is in Nakuru, Kenya, at coordinates -0.5886, 35.5947, at an elevation of about 2425 metres.
Who operates Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd?
Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd is operated by Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd produce?
Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd is recorded as producing black tea.
Which buyers does Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd supply?
Public supplier disclosures record Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd as supplying Finlays.
How much rain does Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,382 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in October (182 mm).
How does Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Estates at a similar elevation recorded about 1,376 mm of rain in 2025, close to the 1,382 mm at Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd.
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].
