Coffee Comeback: Uasin Gishu Farmers Receive Seedlings in Bold Revival Push

More than 150 farmers in Soy, Uasin Gishu County, have received 16,500 coffee seedlings in a renewed effort to restore the region’s once-thriving coffee sector. The distribution marks a significant step in a broader campaign to reintroduce coffee farming as a key economic activity in an area where the crop had largely declined over the years.

The initiative is being implemented by the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (NKPCU), which aims to encourage farmers to return to coffee cultivation by providing quality planting materials and technical support. The program is part of a wider national strategy to rejuvenate Kenya’s coffee industry and improve farmers’ incomes.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, NKPCU chairman Daniel Chemno said the move is aligned with government efforts to reclaim Kenya’s global reputation as a top coffee producer. He emphasized that coffee remains a high-value crop with strong demand in international markets.

Chemno, however, cautioned that global geopolitical tensions involving Iran, United States, and Israel could have ripple effects on global trade, potentially influencing coffee prices. Despite these concerns, he noted that Kenya’s primary coffee export market continues to be Europe, which offers relatively stable demand.

Local farmers welcomed the initiative but expressed concern that the number of seedlings distributed is far below what is required to fully revive coffee farming in the county. Many said they are eager to expand their acreage under coffee but lack sufficient planting materials.

Farmers estimate that at least 100,000 seedlings are needed across Uasin Gishu County to achieve meaningful production levels and make the revival program sustainable. They are now calling on both the government and stakeholders to scale up support, including access to more seedlings, training, and market linkages.

County Commissioner Dr. Edison Nyale reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural transformation in the region. He noted that reviving coffee farming could diversify farmers’ income sources and reduce overreliance on traditional crops such as maize.

The coffee revival program is expected to not only boost household incomes but also contribute to job creation and economic growth within the county if adequately supported.