By S, KNA
Coffee farming in Tindiret sub county, once a vibrant livelihood for thousands of smallholder farmers, is set for a renaissance following the commissioning of a modern coffee mill in Songhor/Soba ward.
For decades, farmers in the region struggled with poor prices, limited market access and low returns, but the new facility has rekindled hope for better earnings and renewed interest in the crop.
The new coffee mill is expected to transform the sector by offering farmers a reliable processing and marketing hub, cutting off exploitative middlemen who have long dominated the trade.
Tindiret Sub County Agricultural Officer (SCAO) Daniel Maiyo, said the factory will increase transparency in pricing and ensure growers receive timely payments for their beans.
Maiyo explained that his office is working closely with cooperative societies to ensure farmers supply directly to the mill.
He emphasized that this approach will help farmers add value to their coffee instead of selling raw beans, translating into higher returns.
Farmers in Songhor/Soba ward welcomed the development, noting that the factory will end years of exploitation by middlemen.
A local farmer, David Kiprono, said he expects more consistent payments and is planning to expand his coffee plantation.
Another grower, Mary Jepkoech, observed that many farmers who had abandoned coffee are now preparing to return to the crop.
Local youth are equally optimistic, saying the factory will create jobs in transport, processing, and marketing.
A group of young farmers interviewed by KNA expressed interest in venturing into coffee farming, now that they see a secure and rewarding market.
Residents also highlighted that increased coffee earnings will uplift families, with proceeds expected to improve education, healthcare, and household investments. Farmers said that with the mill nearby, they will save on transport costs and earn higher margins.
Maiyo further noted that the factory will enforce high-quality standards, pushing farmers to adopt better agronomic practices.
He said extension officers will be deployed to train growers on modern coffee husbandry to ensure sustainable production.
According to projections by the sub county agriculture office, Tindiret is expected to produce close to 2,800 metric tonnes of coffee annually, once the factory reaches full capacity, up from the current average of about 1,200 tonnes.
He said this growth will not only increase household incomes, but also boost the sub county’s contribution to the national coffee output.
Maiyo projected that the Songhor/Soba mill could attract exporters and cooperative societies to Tindiret, positioning the sub county as one of Kenya’s key coffee-producing regions.
He said the sub county office will continue partnering with the national government to unlock global markets for local farmers.