Coffee farmers in Kirinyaga have attributed huge payout rates for the 2024/2025 to the success of the reforms made by the government in the sector.
The 27 out 75 factories have already announced the payout above Sh100 with the highest paying 145.
Officials of the cooperatives, farmers and leaders have attributed the huge payout to support from the government especially in provision of subsidised farm input, training and marketing of the produce.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru said coffee sector revitalisation initiative was paying off with farmers getting more money in their pockets.
She termed the payouts as “impressive” adding that her administration will continue with its farmer centric and whole value chain driven interventions that will deliver quick and sustainable wins for the farmer.
“Our coffee farmers are beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labour, with impressive cherry payouts this season. Our county-level interventions, from extension services to cooperative strengthening, together with national government support on coffee reforms and subsidised farm inputs, are delivering real impact. When we work together, the farmer wins,” Waiguru said.
Joyce Wanjiku, Chairperson of Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society said application of best agricultural practices resulting from training and timely availability of farm inputs like the government’s subsidised fertiliser had played a great role in the rise in prices of coffee.
Cyrus Chomba, Baragwi Farmers Cooperative Society manager said the quality of coffee delivered in all its 12 factories had also improved thus enabling it to fetch higher prices at the auction.
He lauded farmers for their hard work to deliver increased yield and quality beans to the factory.
“As a cooperative, we have also been able to reduce the cost of processing the bean having installed solar dryers that have also helped us in early delivery of the produce to the miller,” he said.
He said the last mile subsidised fertiliser initiative by the County government is one of the factors that had helped farmers realise increased production.
Simon Muriithi, a Director at Gacami coffee factory said deployment of agronomists to train and support farmers, transportation of subsidised fertiliser to coffee factories by the county government had contributed to reduced cost of production thus earning farmers more money.
“The county government, through Baragwi Cooperative, has helped us in storing our produce, thus minimising post-harvest losses. Additionally, they provided subsidised fertiliser promptly, which was crucial,” he added.
The County has been facilitating transportation of the subsidised fertilisers to 28 coffee factories selected from across the 14 registered coffee cooperative societies
By Mutai Kipngetich
