How to Start a Tea Packaging Business in Kenya: Machines, Pack Sizes, Licences and Branding
- Start manual, scale to automatic
- Seal and code every pack
- KEBS certification
- Confirm Tea Board requirements
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How the Business Works
- Buy made (processed) tea in bulk from a licensed source.
- Blend if needed and keep it dry.
- Weigh into pouches or sachets.
- Seal, code (batch and expiry) and label.
- Sell to retailers, offices, hotels and institutions.
Packing and Sealing Machines
Hand Operated Sealing Machines(10cm)KSh 7,000
Foot Operated SealersKSh 90,000
Plastic Bag Manual Heat Sealing Machine Mylar Bag Vacuum SealerKSh 17,000
Nitrogen flushing continuous sealing machine KPL-FRQM-980CDKSh 290,000
VFFS -P series Automatic Powder Packing MachineKSh 3,480,000
Batch Coding StampKSh 36,000
Manual Coding MachinesKSh 25,000
Solid-Ink coding Band Sealer KPL-FRD-1000KSh 170,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Hand Operated Sealing Machines(10cm) | KSh 7,000 |
| Foot Operated Sealers | KSh 90,000 |
| Plastic Bag Manual Heat Sealing Machine Mylar Bag Vacuum Sealer | KSh 17,000 |
| Nitrogen flushing continuous sealing machine KPL-FRQM-980CD | KSh 290,000 |
| VFFS -P series Automatic Powder Packing Machine | KSh 3,480,000 |
| Batch Coding Stamp | KSh 36,000 |
| Manual Coding Machines | KSh 25,000 |
| Solid-Ink coding Band Sealer KPL-FRD-1000 | KSh 170,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 18 October 2026).
| Scale | Setup |
|---|---|
| Starter | Scale, scoop, hand or foot sealer, coding stamp |
| Growing | Continuous band sealer with coding; nitrogen flushing for longer freshness |
| Factory | Automatic powder (VFFS) packing machine forming, filling and sealing sachets |
Compare outputs in the packaging machine output calculator and manual vs automatic payback calculator.
Pack Sizes
- Small sachets for low-income retail and daily buyers.
- 100 g–500 g pouches for households.
- 1 kg+ packs for offices, hotels and canteens.
Licences and Standards
Packaged food sold in Kenya needs the right KEBS certification, a county business permit and a public health licence for the premises. The tea sector is regulated by the Tea Board of Kenya; confirm whether your packing operation needs registration before launch. Labels need the product name, net weight, batch, expiry, your address and ingredients (see batch coding and expiry printing).
Branding That Sells
- A clear name and origin story (county, estate type) if true and verifiable.
- Moisture-proof packs that look clean on a shelf.
- Consistent taste: buy from the same grades.
See also how to start a packaging business.
Frequently asked questions
What machine do I need to package tea?
Start with a hand or foot sealer and coding stamp; scale up to an automatic powder packing machine.
Do I need KEBS certification to sell packaged tea?
Yes, packaged food products need KEBS certification.
Do tea packers need Tea Board registration?
Confirm with the Tea Board of Kenya before launching; the tea sector is regulated.
How do I keep packed tea fresh?
Use moisture-proof pouches, seal properly and consider nitrogen flushing.
What pack size sells best?
Small sachets move fast in local shops; larger packs suit offices and hotels.