Vihiga: Kenya's government is taking bold steps to revive coffee farming in Vihiga County as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the agricultural sector, a major contributor to the country's GDP and employment. Through the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, efforts are underway to support smallholder farmers with resources, training, and financial assistance.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at a farmers' sensitization forum at Ebukanga Polytechnic in Vihiga, Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya announced the distribution of free coffee seedlings to boost production. Oparanya noted that annual production in the country has declined to just 50 tons, down from 200 tons 25 years ago.
To address this, the CS said the government has committed Sh8 billion to the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund (CCARF), offering smallholder farmers low-cost advances of Sh40 per kilogram delivered to the coffee mill before the coffee is auctioned. Managed by the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (New KPCU), the fund aims to stabilize farmers' incomes, enable the purchase of farm inputs, and support daily living expenses.
The CS also highlighted reforms at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE), including the licensing of cooperatives to sell directly. 'With the current reforms the farmers will have the money channelled to the cooperatives then to the farmers pockets in just five days,' he said. To further support the sector, two youths selected from each of the 25 wards in Vihiga will be trained as extension officers to assist farmers.
Oparanya urged farmers to emulate neighboring countries like Ethiopia and Uganda, which significantly outperform Kenya in coffee production. In 2024, Ethiopia produced 400,000 metric tons, Uganda over 200,000, and Kenya only 51,000. The CS further said that Vihiga produced 6,190 kg, while Kisumu led the region with 72,630 kg, followed by Kakamega (33,470 kg) and Siaya (1,580 kg) during the 2023/2024 financial year.
Member of Parliament Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya Constituency) echoed the CS's sentiments, calling for the revival of coffee factories and cooperatives to ensure sustainable growth. He emphasized the need for improved earnings and support, encouraging farmers to return to their fields with renewed vigor. The government has also pledged to secure international markets, ensuring a stable and profitable future for Kenyan coffee farmers.