By KPC Reporter
Coffee farmers in Kisii County have received renewed promises of reform and modernization from both county and national leaders.
This comes amid mounting frustrations over outdated equipment, poor inputs, and persistent corruption in the sector.
Speaking during a farmers’ meeting in Kenyenya, cooperative leaders and government officials outlined a series of interventions aimed at improving production, securing farmer earnings, and restoring confidence in the coffee value chain.
“We are using machines that are too old and slow, and the fertilizer available is not the best. This is affecting our coffee’s quality,” said Nyageki Robert, Chairman of the Kenyenya Cooperative Society.
His concerns were echoed by Nyatwoni Nyakoe Charles, Chair of the Magena Cooperative Society, who cited rampant theft due to inadequate security in coffee stores.
Representing Governor Simba Arati, County Executive Committee Member for Cooperatives Elijah Ombwori announced the rollout of five new pumping machines to reduce seed damage during processing.
“With national government support, all 22 factories in Kisii can perform better,” he said, noting that Kisii farmers produced over 25 million kilograms of coffee in 2024, thanks to joint efforts that included the distribution of 25,000 seedlings.
However, Ombwori warned that a KSh 625 million debt burden continues to weigh heavily on farmers, threatening the sustainability of the sector.
Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya announced a new payment structure that will see 80% of coffee proceeds go directly to farmers’ accounts, with only 20% retained by cooperatives.
“This ends the era of funds passing through multiple hands, which encouraged corruption,” he said.
Oparanya also unveiled plans to deploy digital processing machines, extension officers, and youth-trained coffee experts in every ward.
Each cooperative will have a station officer under the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU), while two youth officers—one male and one female under 35—will be trained in Nairobi to support local farmers.
“The corruption that plagued the coffee sector is now over. We have acted decisively, and we are putting structures in place to ensure farmers benefit directly from their hard work,” Oparanya affirmed.
The renewed push aligns with broader national reforms, including the pending Coffee Bill, 2023 and Cooperatives Bill, 2024, which aim to eliminate cartels, guarantee minimum returns, and empower cooperatives to negotiate better terms for farmers.
Meanwhile, Kisii County Assembly has passed legislation to protect farmers from exploitative brokers and land grabs, with leaders urging youth to embrace coffee farming as a viable economic path.
The region is targeting 10,000 metric tonnes of coffee output in the next two years, and farmers are cautiously optimistic but remain watchful for real change beyond promises.