Ksh 6.8B coffee debt waiver on track as farmers benefit from reforms

The verification of debts owed to coffee cooperative societies is underway to ensure only legitimate claims benefit from the Government’s Ksh 6.8 billion debt waiver programme.

This initiative is a key part of broader reforms that are revitalising Kenya’s coffee sector and delivering on the Government’s commitment to farmers.

In line with the Agriculture Sector reforms outlined in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, the Government’s interventions are beginning to bear fruit.

This coffee season, farmers are celebrating record cherry prices, with rates climbing to between Ksh 120 and Ksh 148 per kilogram,  the highest in 35 years.

To safeguard and build on these gains, the Government is streamlining the fertiliser subsidy programme for coffee farmers, subsidising pesticides, and accelerating the distribution of coffee seedlings.

A major infrastructure modernisation plan is also underway, aimed at upgrading processing methods across the country.

Additionally, new Acts of Parliament to regulate the coffee and cooperative sectors are in the final stages and are expected to be enacted and assented to within the next two months.

These legislative changes are designed to entrench transparency, protect farmers’ earnings, and strengthen cooperatives.

A critical milestone has been the dismantling of cartels that for decades manipulated milling, brokerage, and marketing operations.

Freed from exploitative middlemen, Kenya’s coffee is now being aggressively marketed internationally, opening up new markets for farmers.

This momentum was evident during a major consultative forum held in Embu County, where over 5,000 coffee farmers and leaders from 24 cooperative societies gathered.

Key leaders, including Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Development Geoffrey Ruku, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Senator Alexander Mundigi, Woman Representative Njoki wa Njeru, Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi, Mbeere South MP Norbert Muriuki and Speaker Josiah Thiriku, among others, attended the meeting.

The Government remains steadfast in implementing transformative reforms that empower coffee farmers, boost incomes, and restore Kenya’s place as a global coffee powerhouse.