Uasin Gishu Pushes Coffee Farming as Economic Game-Changer

 

Coffee farming is quickly becoming a cornerstone of agricultural transformation in Uasin Gishu County, with Governor Jonathan Bii declaring it the “next frontier” in unlocking economic potential and empowering local communities.

In a major boost to the county’s coffee agenda, the Governor on Thursday presided over the distribution of 77,822 coffee seedlings to farmers from Segero Barsombe, Ziwa, Moi's Bridge, Kipsomba, Kapkures, and Karuna Meibeki wards. The event, held at the Ziwa Town Manager’s Office, is part of an ambitious plan to distribute 1 million seedlings countywide.

“This is not just a seedling distribution—it is an investment in the future of our farmers and our economy,” said Governor Bii. “Coffee farming holds immense potential for value addition, job creation, and export revenue. We are committed to making it a success story in Uasin Gishu.”

In addition to the seedlings, the county government issued cheques worth Ksh 18 million to agricultural cooperatives to support infrastructure, capacity building, and financial empowerment for farmers. The funds are expected to enhance service delivery and boost cooperative operations in the region.

The initiative drew a high-level delegation of leaders, including Elgeyo Marakwet Governor H.E. Wisley Rotich, Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea, and Members of the County Assembly led by Hon. Ezekiel Kodi and Hon. Daniel Chemno, who voiced their support for the program.

Governor Bii emphasized that promoting coffee farming aligns with his administration’s broader vision to diversify agriculture and reduce overdependence on maize and dairy farming.

“With the right support systems, Uasin Gishu can become a leading coffee-producing region in Kenya,” he noted.

Farmers welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention amid rising demand for alternative high-value crops and export opportunities.