The Kenyan government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalize the coffee sector, introducing transformative measures aimed at empowering farmers and reclaiming Kenya’s status as a global coffee leader.
Addressing longstanding challenges in the industry, the government has rolled out initiatives designed to ensure farmers reap maximum benefits from their labor.
Speaking on the reforms, Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura emphasized the focus on creating a foundation for sustainable development while enhancing transparency and efficiency across the sector.
“To ensure farmers receive the greatest value for their efforts, direct payments have been introduced,” said Dr. Mwaura.
He explained that under this new system, farmers are paid promptly and transparently through their personal bank accounts or mobile wallets, eliminating delays that have historically hindered their earnings.
Additionally, the government has reduced cooperative charges to a maximum of 20 percent of coffee earnings for services such as processing and transportation.
This move significantly lowers production costs for farmers, providing them with a larger share of their profits.
“To enhance transparency, cooperatives are now required to maintain clear records of farmers’ debts and digitize their operations,” Dr. Mwaura added, emphasizing the need for accountability within the cooperatives that serve as intermediaries between farmers and the market.
These reforms represent a renewed effort to address deep-seated challenges in the coffee sector, offering hope to thousands of farmers whose livelihoods depend on the crop.
By focusing on empowering producers and modernizing processes, the government aims to restore Kenya’s competitive edge in the global coffee market while improving the economic well-being of coffee-growing communities.
