Kirinyaga: Coffee farmers in Kirinyaga have attributed huge payout rates for the 2024/2025 season to the success of the reforms made by the government in the sector. The 27 out of 75 factories have already announced the payout above Sh100, with the highest paying Sh145.
According to Kenya News Agency, officials of the cooperatives, farmers, and leaders have credited the significant payouts to support from the government, particularly through the provision of subsidised farm inputs, training, and marketing of the produce. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru stated that the coffee sector revitalisation initiative was proving effective, with farmers receiving more money. She emphasized her administration's commitment to continuing farmer-centric and value chain-driven interventions to deliver sustainable benefits for farmers.
Joyce Wanjiku, Chairperson of Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society, highlighted that the application of best agricultural practices, resulting from training and the timely availability of farm inputs such as subsidised fertiliser, had significantly contributed to the rise in coffee prices. Cyrus Chomba, Baragwi Farmers Cooperative Society manager, noted that the quality of coffee delivered in its 12 factories had improved, enabling it to fetch higher prices at the auction. He commended farmers for their efforts in delivering increased yield and quality beans.
Chomba also mentioned that the cooperative had reduced processing costs by installing solar dryers, which facilitated early delivery of produce to the miller. He pointed out that the last-mile subsidised fertiliser initiative by the County government was a key factor in increasing production. Simon Muriithi, a Director at Gacami coffee factory, explained that agronomist support and subsidised fertiliser transportation by the county government had decreased production costs, thereby increasing earnings for farmers.
The County government has been actively facilitating the transportation of subsidised fertilisers to 28 coffee factories selected from across the 14 registered coffee cooperative societies, further supporting the sector's growth and stability.