The reforms in the coffee sector are set to yield more produce in long-term goals, making the venture more profitable in Kenya.
Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Simon Chelugui, has said the short term, mid-long-term and long term plans, will see Kenya produce over 200,000 metric tonnes annually, starting in three years’ time.
Speaking during the launch and distribution of Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund in Kirinyaga County, the CS said the reforms at Nairobi Coffee exchange, have streamlined the sector from production to marketing.
Chelugui quipped that only one license will be given to an organization to be a miller, marketing or a brokerage.
He called upon them to choose one because no entity shall be allowed to be a miller and broker at same time.
“This is our first year in implementation of coffee reforms and we want to see real changes,” CS said.
On the management of cooperatives, the CS, warn those buying voters to get elected into management positions, saying that their days are numbered. He argued that the motive of those individuals is to defraud farmers to regain their wealth.
He announced to farmers that the special request to provide subsidized coffee fertilizers is already in Cabinet and soon will be tabled in parliament, calling legislators to fast track when it arrives in the National Assembly.
“The fertilizers used in coffee may not be similar to others, I have made special request in the Cabinet, to allow provision of subsidized fertilizers for coffee,” CS added
He assured the coffee farmers that government will be paying a minimum of Sh. 80 per kilogram of coffee, adding that incase market price increases, it will be a plus to the farmers
Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Patrick Kilemi, urge the farmers to take care of coffee bushes for maximum output. He further challenged the youths, to follow the footsteps of their parents, as the future of coffee relies on them and must give opportunities, to practice as early as possible.
Kilemi noted that currently the cooperatives have problems with governance, asking the legislators to see old law and make necessary amendments, to incorporate the farmers in all levels of management.
“Our youth are now moving to the transport sector, bodaboda, because we don’t give them the opportunity to do farming. Give the small piece of land as a startup, because the future of our coffee is on them,” Kilemi noted.
Samwel Mwau from the coffee directorate said Kirinyaga is known for high coffee in Kenya and there is a need to increase the quantity and quality of the product simultaneously. He assured the farmers of a ready market within and outside the country.
Lisper Ndungu from Nairobi coffee exchange, said the new reforms allow farmers’ organizations to sell their coffee once they are licensed, hence create an open marketing system that is meant to serve the farmers. She also noted they are looking at areas to improve transparency and efficiency.
Gichugu Member of Parliament, Githinji Gichimu, said the National Assembly will streamline law on cooperatives, to reduce cases of some missing funds and remove degree requirements to serve in the coffee board.
His sentiments were echoed by Nyeri Central MP, Dancun Mathenge, who added that best coffee should be given priority in the market, as well as provision of subsidized farm chemicals.
“There is a law that requires a degree to serve on a board. In Kirinyaga we may not have a degree but we have coffee. We shall look into that law, so that the farmer is given consideration,” Gichimu added.
They both praised the Coffee Cherry Revolving Fund, as a boost to farmers who may otherwise have gone for high interest loans.
On issues of coffee theft, Gichugu Deputy County Commissioner, James Chacha, urged the farmers to report any case of theft and avoid using alternative dispute resolutions.
“Every time the sale of coffee kicks-off, cases of theft increase, especially in societies. We will treat committees as the first suspects for they know when and where sale will be done. Also farmers are to blame because when theft occurs in farms they rarely report to security agencies preferring to solve the issues at home,” explained Chacha.
By Mutai Kipngetich
