By Wasike Elvis
The government is set to distribute five million coffee seedlings to farmers in Uasin Gishu County and surrounding regions in a major effort to revive Kenya’s coffee sector. The announcement was made by the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, during a stakeholder meeting with coffee farmers and cooperative leadersin Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
The seedlings will be distributed through registered cooperatives starting next financial year, with 5,000 seedlings ready for immediate dispatch to farmers.
“President William Ruto has given a directive for Ksh 500 million to be allocated under the ‘Kahawa ni Dola’ project to boost national coffee production. We are committed to restoring coffee’s former glory in Kenya,” said CS Oparanya.
In the long term, the Ministry plans to produce and distribute 20 million seedlings as part of the government’s ambitious goal to increase Kenya’s coffee output from the current 50,000 metric tonnes to over 150,000 metric tonnes by 2030.
To increase productivity, CS Oparanya emphasized the importance of farmer education, improved extension services, and better use of organic fertilizers and modern farming practices. He noted that current yields are too low, with many farmers harvesting only 2 kilograms per bush, and set a target to increase this to 6 kilograms per bush through targeted interventions.
“We are working closely with county governments. I will personally ensure that 200,000 seedlings are delivered to Uasin Gishu farmers. The rest will come from a pool of over 5 million seedlings being produced in collaboration with five local universities,” he added.
CS Oparanya also revealed that the government is importing pulping machines from Brazil and has already set aside Ksh 2 billion for this initiative. Every cooperative is expected to benefit from at least one pulping machine within the next six months.
In support of sustainable agriculture, the government is also encouraging farmers to embrace organic fertilizers, including manure. President Ruto has directed that fertilizers be provided directly to coffee factories to ease access for farmers.
On the legislative front, CS Oparanya highlighted that the Cooperatives Bill and Coffee Bill, both aimed at reforming and regulating the sector, are currently before the Senate.
To support farmers beyond production, the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) has been mandated to spearhead global marketing efforts for Kenyan coffee, ensuring better pricing and access to international markets.
“We are building a coffee value chain that benefits farmers first. From seedlings to markets, every part of this revival is being carefully structured for sustainability and profitability,” CS Oparanya concluded.
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