The government has set Ksh80 as the minimum price for one kilogramme of coffee, aligning with the ongoing sector reforms.
The primary objective of these reforms is to increase the financial returns for coffee growers by ensuring a more equitable and favourable pricing structure in the industry.
Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui said the initiative by the government is aimed at rejuvenating the dwindling coffee farming sector.
This is part of President William Ruto’s administration agenda and seeks to bolster the resilience of coffee farmers’ organisations, which have faced a decline due to persistent challenges.
Mr Chelugui highlighted the primary challenge faced by coffee farmers—predatory practices by brokers, who have been accused of harassing farmers and leaving them in a vulnerable state despite their efforts in cultivation.
In a bid to enhance production and income for coffee farmers, Mr Chelugui pledged to facilitate the equitable distribution of benefits from the coffee fund to eligible farmers.
The establishment of a minimum buying price is just one component of the government’s multifaceted approach to revitalising the coffee sub-sector. Concurrently, an announcement was made regarding a boost in the cherry revolving fund, escalating from the current Ksh2 billion to Ksh6 billion.
The move is anticipated to inject vitality into the industry, offering financial support to farmers and mitigating the challenges they face.
Mr Chelugui announced on Tuesday in Makueni County when he met thousands of coffee farmers from the region.
As part of ongoing pleas from coffee farmers, leaders in the lower eastern region are urging the government to consider debt write-offs for coffee cooperatives.
This appeal aligns with the broader strategy of the government to address the systemic issues hampering the growth of the coffee sector and ensuring sustainable prosperity for coffee farmers in the Makueni area.
gandae@businessdayafrica.org