Kenya's exports rise despite falling output
Tea exports in Kenya have risen more than 10% in value in 2009, despite production being affected by severe droughts. The African country exported crops worth 69 billion shillings (approximately $1 billion), as the local currency depreciated against the US dollar. Average tea prices rose to $2.72 a kilogram from $2.33. Prices at the Mombasa tea auction were also the highest recorded in close to two-and-half decades, according to the Tea Board of Kenya. Export earnings for 2010 are expected to increase marginally.