The national government has launched a major coffee revitalization programme targeting the distribution of 20 million coffee seedlings in Tharaka Nithi County as part of efforts to boost coffee production and revive the once-thriving sector.
The programme was officially launched at Mitheru Coffee Society in Chuka and attracted a large number of coffee farmers from across the region. During the launch, farmers received a total of 10,000 high-yield coffee seedlings to support increased production.
Director of New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union PLC (New KPCU) Charles Mutwiri Mkarimu urged coffee farmers to embrace the new high-yielding coffee varieties, noting that they have the potential to significantly increase productivity compared to older coffee trees.
Mkarimu explained that traditional coffee varieties currently produce an average of about two kilograms per tree, while the new seedlings can yield more than 20 kilograms per tree when properly managed.
“Currently many farmers are harvesting very little from their coffee trees, but with these improved seedlings and proper management practices, farmers can increase their production significantly,” he said.
He noted that farmers who register with their cooperative societies will receive the seedlings free of charge. The cooperative societies will keep records of the beneficiaries and submit them to New KPCU to facilitate organized distribution.
Mkarimu also pointed out that coffee prices have improved in recent months, with farmers now earning more than Sh100 per kilogram, encouraging farmers to increase production to take advantage of the favorable market conditions.
Former Chuka University Vice Chancellor Professor Erastus Njoka recalled the important role coffee played in Kenya’s economy in the past.
He said that during the 1980s, coffee was among the country’s leading foreign exchange earners and significantly contributed to economic development in many rural areas.
“In coffee-growing regions, the crop enabled many families to educate their children and access healthcare services,” said Prof. Njoka.
He added that coffee income also helped develop several urban centres in the region as farmers reinvested their earnings in local businesses and infrastructure.
Prof. Njoka noted that Tharaka Nithi County currently contributes about three percent of Kenya’s total coffee production and its coffee is widely recognized for its quality.
However, he said farmers continue to face several challenges that have hindered the growth of the sector.
“Our farmers continue to face serious challenges including low and delayed payments, high costs of farm inputs, aging coffee bushes, poor management of cooperative societies and limited value addition,” he said.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga said the revival of coffee farming is among the key priorities under the government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He said several interventions have already been introduced to support coffee farmers and restore the sector’s productivity.
Gitonga noted that the government has already waived debts previously owed by coffee farmers, a move aimed at giving farmers a fresh start and encouraging them to increase production.
He added that plans are also underway to modernize coffee factories in order to improve efficiency in processing, storage and marketing of coffee.
The County Commissioner further emphasized the need to strengthen security at coffee factories and during transportation, noting that theft has previously affected the sector.
Gitonga said stakeholders had agreed that dry coffee berries should be delivered to milling plants within three days to minimize risks and maintain quality.
“We have also agreed on measures to enhance security at coffee factories including installation of CCTV cameras and construction of perimeter walls,” he said.
He assured farmers that the County Security Committee will work closely with security agencies to ensure coffee factories are well protected during the harvesting and processing seasons.
Gitonga also said security will be provided during the transportation of coffee from factories to milling plants between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to ensure the produce reaches its destination safely.
He warned brokers against interfering with farmers’ coffee, noting that some individuals have previously been involved in theft and illegal trading of coffee.
“Those found engaging in such illegal activities will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
Mitheru Coffee Society Chairman Benford Ireri encouraged young people in the region to embrace coffee farming, noting that the cooperative society has initiated programmes aimed at attracting more youth into the sector.
Ireri said young farmers will be given priority in the distribution of the new coffee seedlings to encourage youth participation in agriculture.
He emphasized that increasing both the quality and quantity of coffee production in Tharaka Nithi will depend on the active participation and commitment of farmers.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
