Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya has unveiled a series of bold interventions aimed at reviving Kenya’s coffee sector, pledging billions in funding and reforms.
Addressing Coffee farmers at Picnic grounds in Tharaka Nithi County, Oparanya announced that the government will distribute free coffee seedlings this year to support smallholder farmers and boost national coffee production.
“We are here to revive coffee farming. This year, the government will provide free seedlings as part of our revival plan,” he said.
He also assured farmers of government backing in tackling longstanding debts that have crippled the industry.
However, he noted, only genuine debts will be settled by the state.
“If the debt is genuine and clear, the government will pay. But if it is shrouded in corruption or cartel dealings, it won’t be covered,” said the CS.
He also urged farmers to take advantage of the Cherry Fund, which currently stands at Sh8 billion, to help them expand their farming.
“The Cherry Fund is here to shield farmers from exploitation. It’s government money meant to empower the coffee grower. Farmers are free to access up to 80 per cent of their cherry value,” Oparanya said.
He emphasised that farmers have the freedom to choose any bank to receive the funds and rejected claims that payments were being mishandled via mobile platforms like M-Pesa.
In a bid to modernise marketing and increase farmer control, the CS stated that farmers with large coffee plantations have the freedom to sell their coffee directly—even to international buyers, without restrictions.
On the other hand, smallholder farmers who may not have the capacity to market on their own were encouraged to join or form cooperative societies to help them access better markets, resources, and returns.
“We are also working with the Nairobi Coffee Exchange and the Capital Markets Authority to allow farmers to own shares and trade more openly. Your money will be safe,” Oparanya assured.
Due to widespread corruption and the rise of questionable debts, the CS announced stricter measures: all cooperative loans must now be approved by both the Commission of Cooperatives and the County Director of Cooperatives to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of funds.
He also highlighted the government’s directive for KPCU to secure Sh2 billion for digitising coffee processing, transitioning from analogue systems for better efficiency and transparency.
He further called on all cooperative members to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), stating that “a healthy farmer is a productive farmer.”
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga, who accompanied the CS, underscored the county’s commitment to coffee revival, pointing out that factory theft and insecurity remain major challenges.
“We have seen cases where coffee is stolen from factories—some of which still use weak wooden doors. This makes them easy targets for thieves,” he said.
He called for modernisation of factory infrastructure, including stronger doors, installation of CCTV cameras, and round-the-clock security to safeguard harvested coffee and boost farmer confidence.
Mr Gitonga also urged farmers to register for subsidised fertilisers early and embrace digital solutions.
“Security alone is not enough. Farmers need timely access to inputs and strong systems to thrive,” he said.
Local farmer Morris Mutegi raised concerns about the delayed distribution of subsidised fertilisers, which often arrive late into the rainy season.
“Some of us travel over 25 kilometres to access fertilisers. We are appealing for timely delivery,” he said.
He also advocated for a Guaranteed Minimum Return to stabilise farmer incomes and shield them from volatile coffee prices.
Meanwhile, Margaret Kagendo, another farmer, called for sensitisation campaigns within factories and societies to empower members with knowledge about debts and cooperative operations.
“Some of us are repaying loans we didn’t even understand. We need transparency and education,” she added.
Oparanya concluded by urging Kenyans to consume more locally grown coffee, noting that current consumption stands at a mere five per cent.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
