Kenya earned Sh62.1 billion (US$ 774 million) from tea exports during 2008, compared to Sh43.1 billion ($537 million) recorded in 2007, The Standard reports.

According to the agriculture permanent secretary, Romano Kiome tea exports rose from 345.8 million kg in 2007 to 383.4 million kg in 2008. Earnings rose by Sh19 billion ($237 billion) due to higher prices.

During a luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Development Council on Monday, Kiome said that tea remains Kenya's leading foreign exchange earner after horticulture.

He also urged exporters to diversify their market away from the European Union to emerging economies in order to side-step the impact of the economic crisis.