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Kenya tea growth sluggish on below average rains

NAIROBI: Tea growth in Kenya was slow last week undermined by inconsistent and below average rains, traders Africa Tea Brokers (ATB) said in a weekly report.

Some rains had been reported east of the country, ATB said. "West of the Rift, apart from isolated showers, the week was generally dry, hot and also windy in Nandi district," ATB said.

"After the extended dry weather the rains have generally been inconsistent and below average...Improvement in crop will therefore be slow."

ATB said Malawi had experienced dry weather with some heavy showers. "Crop intake has been variable (and) pruning has started in all areas," ATB said.-Reuters