Kirinyaga Senator Murango Welcomes Signing of Coffee Bill Into Law as Kenya Moves to Revive Sector

 William Ruto has signed the Coffee Bill (Senate Bill No. 10 of 2023) into law, marking a major step in Kenya’s efforts to reform and revitalize the country’s coffee industry.

The legislation, sponsored in the Senate by James Kamau Murango during his tenure as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, and in the National Assembly by Kimani Ichung’wah, seeks to streamline the development and regulation of the coffee sector while strengthening the institutions that oversee the industry.

Welcoming the President’s assent, Senator Murango described the move as a significant breakthrough for coffee farmers who have long faced numerous challenges in the sector. He said the new law provides a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing systemic problems that have hindered the growth and profitability of coffee farming.

“For many years, farmers have endured low returns, exploitation by middlemen, and weak regulatory oversight,” Murango said. “This law offers an opportunity to restore transparency, accountability, and fairness across the entire coffee value chain.”

A key provision of the new legislation is the restructuring of the industry’s governance framework. Regulatory and commercial functions previously handled by the Agriculture and Food Authority will be transitioned to the Coffee Board of Kenya, which will take on the central role of regulating and promoting the development of the coffee sector.

The Coffee Board will be responsible for processing licensing applications, registering dealers, coordinating policies and financing mechanisms, and collecting industry data. It will also conduct market intelligence surveys and lead initiatives to promote Kenyan coffee both locally and internationally.

The law also establishes the Coffee Research and Training Institute, which will spearhead scientific research, innovation, and capacity building within the coffee industry. The institute will focus on tackling coffee diseases, developing improved and climate-resilient coffee varieties, and promoting sustainable production systems.

In addition, the institute will coordinate national research programs, lead coffee breeding initiatives, and provide advisory services to both national and county governments while disseminating research findings to farmers and other stakeholders.

The Act further introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework governing coffee production, licensing, and the movement of coffee within the country. All players in the coffee value chain—including growers, millers, roasters, cooperative societies, coffee estates, and nursery operators—will now be required to register with their respective county governments.

Licensing responsibilities have also been clarified under the new framework. Licences related to coffee exchanges and brokers will be issued by the Capital Markets Authority, while licences for warehouse operators, buyers, cupping laboratories, and importers will fall under the authority of the Coffee Board of Kenya.

To support the growth and sustainability of the sector, the law introduces a 2.5 percent Coffee Development and Marketing Levy on both the export and import value of coffee. Funds raised through the levy will be used to support key institutions and development programs aimed at strengthening the industry.

Stakeholders believe the enactment of the Coffee Act will improve coordination between national and county governments while establishing a more structured and transparent coffee value chain that prioritizes farmers.

Industry leaders remain optimistic that the reforms will lead to higher earnings for farmers and renewed growth for one of Kenya’s most important agricultural exports.