By Pauline kisilu
Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Mr. Patrick Kilemi, has assured coffee farmers that the government’s new reforms will secure their earnings and restore confidence in the industry, as Kenya marked International Coffee Day with a renewed call to strengthen domestic consumption and expand production.
Representing Cabinet Secretary Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, Kilemi said the Coffee Bill, now passed by both the National Assembly and Senate, will soon be signed into law to provide a stronger framework for cooperatives, marketing, and farmer protection.
“The Coffee Bill has cleared both Houses, and only a few issues remain to be harmonized. Once enacted, it will guarantee democracy in cooperatives, fairness in marketing, and accountability in our coffee institutions,” he said. “The law is clear: the farmer must get at least 80 percent of the value of their coffee.”
Financial Empowerment
Kilemi highlighted the Direct Settlement System (DSS) as a game-changer in ensuring transparency and efficiency in payments. “Through the DSS, 590,000 farmers have already accessed Sh9.5 billion directly from buyers. This ensures certainty and respect for our farmers. If we respect farmers, they will give us better yields,” he noted.
He also underscored the role of the Sheria Fund, which has provided affordable loans to farmers, while warning cooperatives against misuse of funds. “This is the last waiver government will grant. From now, cooperative leaders must manage resources responsibly,” he said.
Production Challenges
Kenya’s coffee output has fallen from 150,000 metric tonnes in the 1980s to about 40,000 tonnes today. Hon. Wafula Wamunyinyi, the former Kanduyi MP who attended the celebrations, said the country is determined to return to peak levels.
“Our target is 150,000 tonnes within three years. This can be achieved by providing more seedlings, expanding acreage, and supporting farmers with improved agronomic practices,” he said.
Delegates agreed that global demand for Kenyan coffee remains strong. “Our challenge is not lack of buyers but lack of enough coffee to supply them,” said one farmer leader.
Transparency and Market Data
Mr. Henry Kinyua, Advisor in the Executive Office of the President and founder of Kilimo News, emphasized that farmers must be equipped with timely information. “Yesterday the average price at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange was $366 per 50kg bag. Every farmer deserves to know this. Information is power,” he said, urging the adoption of digital tools to monitor markets and boost cooperative accountability.
Domestic Consumption Drive
The push for Kenyans to drink more of their own coffee was a central theme of the day. Kilemi told participants that expanding local consumption would shield the sector from global price shocks.
“When we export coffee as beans, we are exporting jobs. Our potential lies in creating a strong domestic market, especially among youth. Let us take coffee to universities, workplaces, TikTok and Instagram. Coffee must be cool again,” he said.
Fairtrade Africa’s Regional Lead for East and Central Africa, Ms. Agapeters Sebasu, echoed the call, noting that Ethiopia consumes more than half of its coffee while Kenya consumes less than five percent. “We cannot continue producing the best coffee in the world but fail to drink it ourselves. Consumption is power,” she said.
Farmers’ Priorities
Farmer representatives used the event to push for better access to seedlings, modernization of cooperative facilities, and training. “We must move from 2kg per tree to at least 10kg. Extension services, modern pulping machines, and proper farmer education will secure both higher yields and better quality,” said Mr. Joseph Gitonga.
Several delegates credited the DSS and Sheria Fund for restoring their confidence. “For years, we toiled without pay. Today, with guaranteed payments, we can finally enjoy the fruits of our labour,” said one farmer.
Expanding Global Markets
Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) Director, Mr. Timothy Mirugi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to capturing new markets. “This is a multi-billion industry built by hardworking farmers. We must grow production, strengthen local consumption, and target new buyers in Asia and the Middle East,” he said.
Farmers noted strong interest from China, India, and South Korea. “The demand is there, but we must scale up production to meet it,” one delegate observed.
Women and Youth in Coffee
The role of women and youth was also recognized, with the success of Zawadi Coffee — Kenya’s first Fairtrade-certified women’s brand — highlighted as proof of what inclusivity can achieve. Produced by cooperatives in Kericho and Nandi, Zawadi Coffee has reached both local and international shelves.
“This shows that when women are given access to resources, they deliver not only for their households but for the economy at large,” a delegate said. Youth programs were also identified as critical to securing the sector’s future.
A Crop of National Identity
As the celebrations closed, Kilemi underscored that coffee remains more than just an economic crop.
“Kenyan coffee is known globally for its aroma, quality, and flavor. It is not just a commodity but part of our national identity,” he said. “As we mark International Coffee Day, we recommit to protecting and promoting this crop for today’s farmers and for generations to come. Kenyan coffee, Kenyan pride. Our coffee, our pride.”
