Henry Kinyua Driving a New Chapter for Kenya’s Coffee Farmers

Coffee farming remains a vital pillar of Kenya’s agricultural economy, and under the leadership of Coffee Board of Kenya Chairperson Henry Kinyua, renewed attention is being placed on productivity, farmer empowerment, collaboration and better returns across the coffee value chain.

Kinyua demonstrated this commitment during the International Coffee Day 2026 celebrations held at the Kirinyaga County Cooperative Union, where he joined more than 2,000 farmers, processors, traders, regulators, researchers, policymakers and development partners to celebrate coffee and deliberate on the future of the sector.

His message was clear: the prosperity of Kenya’s coffee industry must begin with the farmer.

Kinyua called for increased coffee productivity and a whole-value-chain approach that brings together farmers, researchers, extension officers, processors, regulators and markets. His emphasis on collaboration reflects an understanding that sustainable growth in the coffee sector requires every player to work towards a common objective.

He also encouraged farmers to join cooperative societies, highlighting the importance of collective bargaining in strengthening their position within the value chain.

For thousands of coffee farmers, such an approach offers an opportunity to build stronger institutions, improve access to support and enhance their ability to participate meaningfully in the coffee economy.

Kinyua further challenged grassroots extension service providers to ensure that farmers receive relevant and timely technical support. This focus on taking knowledge and services closer to farmers is critical in improving productivity and helping growers make informed decisions.

Equally important is his commitment to promoting Kenyan coffee on the global market while supporting efforts to ensure farmers receive fair remuneration for their produce.

This farmer-centred approach is positioning Kinyua as a strong advocate for a coffee sector that values the contribution of growers and recognises their central role in the industry.

The International Coffee Day celebrations also demonstrated the importance of partnerships between the Coffee Board of Kenya, KALRO Coffee Research Institute, county governments, cooperatives and other stakeholders.

KALRO-CRI Deputy Institute Director Dr Tony Maritim highlighted the institute’s work in providing quality planting materials, research-based information, training and technical advisory services to farmers.

Such collaboration complements the leadership being championed by Kinyua, particularly in addressing productivity challenges, climate resilience, access to quality seedlings and strengthening the overall coffee value chain.

The participation of farmers and sector stakeholders from across the country further demonstrated the immense potential of Kenya’s coffee industry when institutions work together.

Under Kinyua’s leadership, the conversation is increasingly shifting towards practical interventions that can make coffee farming more productive, competitive and rewarding.

His emphasis on productivity, cooperation, research, global market promotion and fair returns reflects a broad vision for an industry where the farmer is not merely a producer but a central beneficiary of the value created.

As Kenya celebrates its coffee heritage, Henry Kinyua is helping keep the spotlight firmly on the people who make that heritage possible — the country’s hardworking coffee farmers.

His leadership continues to reinforce a simple but powerful message: a stronger coffee industry must begin with a stronger, better-supported and better-rewarded farmer.