Tharaka nithi: Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya has unveiled a series of interventions aimed at reviving Kenya's coffee sector, pledging billions in funding and reforms. Addressing coffee farmers at Picnic Grounds in Tharaka Nithi County, Oparanya announced that the government will distribute free coffee seedlings this year to support smallholder farmers and boost national coffee production.
According to Kenya News Agency, Oparanya assured farmers of government backing in tackling longstanding debts that have crippled the industry. He emphasized that only genuine debts will be settled by the state, cautioning against covering debts linked to corruption or cartel dealings. Farmers were encouraged to take advantage of the Cherry Fund, which currently stands at Sh8 billion, to help them expand their farming. Oparanya highlighted that farmers can access up to 80 percent of their cherry value through this fund.
In a move to modernize marketing and increase farmer control, Oparanya stated that farmers with large coffee plantations have the freedom to sell their coffee directly, even to international buyers, without restrictions. Smallholder farmers were encouraged to join or form cooperative societies to enhance market access and returns. The government is also working with the Nairobi Coffee Exchange and the Capital Markets Authority to allow farmers to own shares and trade more openly.
Stricter measures were announced to combat corruption and questionable debts. All cooperative loans must now be approved by both the Commission of Cooperatives and the County Director of Cooperatives to ensure accountability. The government has also directed the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) to secure Sh2 billion for digitizing coffee processing, transitioning from analogue systems for better efficiency and transparency.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga, who accompanied the CS, underscored the county's commitment to coffee revival, highlighting factory theft and insecurity as major challenges. He called for modernization of factory infrastructure, including stronger doors and CCTV installations, to safeguard harvested coffee. Farmers were also urged to register for subsidized fertilizers early and embrace digital solutions.
Local farmer Morris Mutegi raised concerns about the delayed distribution of subsidized fertilizers, appealing for timely delivery. He also advocated for a Guaranteed Minimum Return to stabilize farmer incomes amid volatile coffee prices. Meanwhile, Margaret Kagendo, another farmer, called for sensitization campaigns within factories and societies to empower members with knowledge about debts and cooperative operations.
Oparanya concluded by urging Kenyans to consume more locally grown coffee, noting that current consumption stands at a mere five percent.