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Diploma in Tea Trade and Economics

The Diploma in Tea Trade and Economics is a programme that imparts knowledge and skills to learners on tea trade, tea economics, tea marketing and the global tea value chain. Offered at Karatina University through the School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, the programme targets personnel working in the tea industry and holders of KCSE certificate who want to specialise in the commercial and economic aspects of the tea sector.

Duration
2 years
Next intake January 2027
Job market
Low
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C- or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 2 years, full-time, weekend, evening, with 2 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic Audit Investigator, at 17 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

The curriculum covers tea trade fundamentals, tea economics, tea marketing, tea auction systems, tea pricing, tea export and import, tea value chain, tea branding and packaging, international trade regulations, tea market research, financial management in tea trade, research methods and industrial attachment. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in tea trade and economic analysis.

Kenya is the world's leading exporter of black tea, and the tea industry is a major foreign exchange earner. The programme responds to the need for trained personnel who understand tea trade dynamics, market systems and economic factors affecting the tea value chain from production to export.

The programme is delivered through lectures, market analysis workshops, auction visits, case studies, industry guest lectures, group projects and a two-month industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience through market research projects, trade analysis assignments and supervised industrial attachment in tea trading companies or auction centres.

Graduates pursue careers as tea trade assistants, tea marketing officers, tea export coordinators, tea auction assistants and tea business development officers in tea trading companies, export firms, auction centres and tea brokerages. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics.

Prospective students should have interest in trade, economics and the tea industry. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in the commercial side of the tea sector, including personnel already working in tea trade who want to upgrade their qualifications.

What you study

7 subjects
  • Tea Trade Fundamentals and Tea Economics
  • Tea Marketing and Tea Auction Systems
  • Tea Pricing and Tea Export and Import
  • Tea Value Chain and Tea Branding
  • International Trade Regulations and Tea Market Research
  • Financial Management in Tea Trade
  • Research Methods and Industrial Attachment

Modules

7 in the programme

  • Tea Trade Fundamentals and Tea Economics

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers tea trade fundamentals, tea industry structure, tea economics, supply and demand in tea, tea production economics, cost analysis and economic factors in the tea sector.

  • Tea Marketing and Tea Auction Systems

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers tea marketing, marketing strategies, the Mombasa Tea Auction, auction procedures, broker operations, tea buying and selling at auction and tea market intermediaries.

  • Tea Pricing and Tea Export and Import

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers tea pricing mechanisms, price determinants, tea export procedures, import regulations, trade documentation, shipping logistics and tea trade finance.

  • Tea Value Chain and Tea Branding

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers the tea value chain, value addition, tea branding, packaging for export, tea blends, origin branding, geographic indications and tea product differentiation.

  • International Trade Regulations and Tea Market Research

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers international trade regulations, WTO rules, trade agreements, tariffs, tea market research, competitor analysis, market trends and emerging tea markets.

  • Financial Management in Tea Trade

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers financial management in tea trade, budgeting, cost accounting, trade finance, risk management, insurance and financial planning for tea trading companies.

  • Research Methods and Industrial Attachment

    Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore

    Covers research methods and a two-month industrial attachment in a tea trading company, auction centre or export firm, assessed through an attachment report and supervisor evaluation.

Specialisations

  • Tea Auction and Brokerage

    Focuses on auction systems and broker operations for careers as tea auction assistants.

  • Tea Export Management

    Specialises in export operations and trade documentation for careers as tea export coordinators.

  • Tea Marketing and Branding

    Focuses on marketing strategies and brand development for careers as tea marketing officers.

  • Tea Market Research

    Specialises in market analysis and research for careers in tea business development.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on tea economics or international trade, followed by a market analysis workshop or a case study on tea pricing. Afternoon sessions may include a guest lecture from the tea industry, a visit to a tea auction, or preparation for industrial attachment. Students also work on tea trade projects and market research assignments.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Kenya is the world's leading tea exporter, ensuring industry relevance.The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
The programme covers the full tea value chain from economics to export.Career opportunities are specific to the tea trade sector.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Commerce or Agricultural Economics.—

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

The fine print

New programme at Karatina Univ (launched Nov 2024); fee structure not yet published.

Students can access HELB loans. Public university students may access government funding through the new funding model. Tea companies may sponsor their trade personnel for this programme.

Funding options

  • HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

  • HELB Loan

    LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Scholarships you could apply for

6 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C-minimum entry
Alternative entry

O-Level Division III with Pass in Physics or Mathematics and any two science subjects, or Certificate in Agriculture or related fields.

Subject requirements
Mathematics or PhysicsD+
Any two of: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Physical Science, Home Science, GeographyC-

When it next starts

Taught at 1 institution
January 20271 institution

Including Karatina University.

May 20271 institution

Including Karatina University.

September 20271 institution

Including Karatina University.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Written examination30% of the mark

    Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering tea trade, economics, marketing, auction systems and export procedures.

  • Coursework Assignments

    Assignment30% of the mark

    Assessment of market analysis reports, trade documentation exercises, pricing case studies and group presentations.

  • Tea Trade Project

    Project40% of the mark

    A tea trade or market research project, assessed through a written report and presentation.

  • Industrial Attachment Report

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Assessment of performance during two-month industrial attachment in a tea trading company or auction centre.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Karatina University, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Tea Trade Assistant

    Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 165,000

    Assists with tea trade operations, supports auction participation, prepares trade documentation and coordinates tea buying and selling activities in trading companies.

  • Tea Marketing Officer

    Low demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 170,000

    Develops tea marketing strategies, supports brand promotion, conducts market research and manages customer relationships in tea companies and export firms.

  • Tea Export Coordinator

    Low demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 175,000

    Coordinates tea export operations, manages shipping documentation, liaises with buyers and ensures compliance with export regulations in tea export firms.

  • Tea Auction Assistant

    Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 160,000

    Supports tea auction operations, assists brokers with auction preparation, monitors pricing trends and manages auction documentation at the Mombasa Tea Auction.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as tea trade assistants, tea marketing officers, tea export coordinators and tea auction assistants in tea trading companies, export firms and auction centres.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Tea trade is just about buying and selling tea.

    Tea trade involves auction systems, international trade regulations, pricing mechanisms, value chain analysis, branding and market research, covering the full commercial spectrum.

  • A diploma in tea trade has limited career prospects.

    Kenya is the world's leading tea exporter, and the trade sector needs trained personnel. Graduates can also progress to a Bachelor of Commerce or Agricultural Economics.

  • Tea trade is only for people in Mombasa where the auction is.

    Tea trade involves companies and operations across Kenya, including Nairobi, tea-growing regions and export destinations. The skills are applicable nationally and internationally.

  • Tea economics is the same as general economics.

    Tea economics focuses specifically on tea market dynamics, seasonal production patterns, global supply chains and factors unique to the tea industry.

Further reading

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