Kenya tea output down on low rains, hail

"The decline in production was attributed to unfavourable weather conditions owing to the ending of the Long Rains season over most parts of the country and the effects of hail in a few tea growing districts," the board said in a statement.

"The shortfall has given an indication that the annual tea production for this year may drop by about 10-16 percent."

Kenya produced 328.5 million kg in 2005.

Severe drought hurt production earlier in the year, cutting cumulative output for the first five months to 106.3 million kg compared with 142.7 million during the same period in 2005.

The board said it expected cold weather prevailing in most parts of the country to cut production in coming months.

"With the onset of the cold season, monthly production for the June-August period is expected to fall below 25 million kg," the board said.

Exports rose by 6 percent in May to 28.1 million kg from 26.4 million during the same month last year. The price per kg rose to 155 shillings ($2.08) from 119 shillings.

"Export prices are expected to remain firm over the next three months due to lower production occasioned by the cold weather," the statement added.

Egypt was the top destination for Kenyan tea during the month, taking up about a third of total exports, followed by Pakistan, which is traditionally the main buyer of Kenyan tea.