Reforms in the coffee subsector gain steam

By Robert Mutasi 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reiterated the government's commitment to restoring dignity to Kenyan coffee farmers through current reforms in the coffee subsector.

 In a statement released on his verified social media handles on Friday, September 27, 2024 , Gachagua said the works being undertaken aimed at ensuring that farmers are equitably compensated for their hard work.

"We are making progress in the Coffee Subsector reforms in our quest to restore the dignity of our farmers in earning what is equivalent to their sweat," Gachagua wrote.

The Deputy President, while on a working tour of Githunguri Constituency in Kiambu County, met farmers at Gathiru-ini Coffee Factory and went on a guided tour of the facility flanked by among others, Waiguru, inspecting it and discussing improvements to be effected. 

The visit came as local factories were well on course to enhance production capacity, part of broader efforts to boost the country's coffee production and have the producers benefit directly from their effort.

He pointed out that the reform agenda of the government has, for instance, been returning control of the coffee sub-sector to its rightful owners-the farmers. 

"We are restoring and taking back the coffee subsector to the rightful owner-the farmer-through the radical reforms," he said.

The event was hosted by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba. Other leaders present included Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Starehe MP Amos Mwago, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, and Komothai Ward MCA Wanyutu Waweru, besides the Deputy President. 

The leaders were also accompanied by representatives of coffee factories and cooperatives from Githunguri.

These reforms have equally been expanded to include modernization of the coffee processing factories, improvement in marketing access, and ensuring farming is sustainable.

 Gachagua's visit to Githunguri is an indication of the resolve of the administration to engage directly with farmers and industry players to ensure meaningful change.

This bid by the Deputy President to enhance the coffee subsector dovetails with the bigger scheme of the Kenya Kwanza administration in promoting agriculture and raising standards of living within rural settings across the country.