August 25, 2006	Friday	Rajab 29, 1427

NAIROBI, Aug 24: Kenya’s tea production rose by 15 per cent in July to 23 million kg compared with 20 million kg in the same period last year due to favourable weather, the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) said on Thursday.

“The highest increase in production was recorded in tea growing areas West of the Rift ... owing to favourable weather conditions which was characterised by scattered showers,” TBK said.

However, cold and cloudy weather hampered tea growth in the tea growing areas east of the Rift Valley, the board said.

Tea exports in July fell by 17 per cent to 29.5 million kg, which earned 4.8 billion shillings ($65.9 million), compared with 35.5 million kg in the same month last year which earned 4.2 billion shillings.—Reuters