NAIROBI, Oct 24: Kenyan tea production rose by 14.3 per cent in September 2003 against the same month a year ago boosted by unexpected rainfall, the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) said on Friday.

Kenya produced 26.37 million kg in September 2003 against 23.12 million kg during the same month of 2002.

This season is usually dry, but there has been some off-season rains which are responsible for the increase, an official at the board said.

Kenya’s January-September production reached 201.49 million kg this year compared to 204.29 million kg in the same period last year, the board said.

The tea board said based on the improved production figures, it expected the country’s projected tea output of 290 million kg for the year could still be met despite a sharp drop in production earlier this year due to adverse weather.

The industry is still hopeful of a full crop recovery as no adverse weather patterns are being foreseen in the remainder of the year, the board said in a statement.—Reuters