Kenya’s Government Aims to Triple Coffee Production by 2028

The Kenyan Government plans to triple coffee production from 50,000 to 150,000 metric tonnes by 2028, allocated Sh500 million for support. A training program for 5,000 farmers is underway in Kakamega County. The establishment of the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund aims to aid smallholder farmers. However, Kakamega received a minor allocation compared to other counties. Farmers are encouraged to diversify their crops for better economic stability.

The Government of Kenya, through Cooperatives, Micro, Small, Medium and Enterprises Development Cabinet Secretary, Wycliffe Oparanya, has unveiled plans to increase coffee production from the current 50,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes by the year 2028. During a forum in Kakamega aimed at revitalizing the coffee and dairy sectors, Oparanya highlighted coffee as a significant contributor to the agricultural sector.

In the current fiscal year, the government has allocated Sh500 million to support both coffee and dairy farmers. As part of these initiatives, nearly 5,000 prospective coffee farmers will receive free training along with certified seedlings. Kakamega County has been identified as a pilot area for this project, with plans to train 1,200 youths and women in coffee farming practices.

Currently, 1,700 farmers have prepared 1,400 acres in Likuyani Sub County for coffee planting. Oparanya urged farmers to join cooperatives to benefit from government assistance. He also announced the establishment of the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund (CCARF) aimed at providing smallholder farmers with affordable advances.

Despite these efforts, Oparanya noted that Kakamega County received a mere 1.7 million shillings from the Cherry Fund, in stark contrast to Bungoma, which received Sh368 million from a total of 7.7 billion shillings allocated to coffee farmers nationwide last year. He encouraged farmers in Western Kenya to diversify their crops to reduce dependency on a single cash crop.

“We are not forcing anybody to plant coffee, but I can assure you that coffee is a game changer that can help tackle high poverty levels in this region,” emphasized Oparanya, while speaking about the crop’s potential economic benefits. He further stated, “Plant coffee in plenty, take good care and earn big money.”

The efforts to revitalize coffee farming and marketing are being spearheaded by the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU), which also focuses on providing warehouse and milling services across the country.

In summary, the Kenyan Government aims to significantly boost coffee production, demonstrating its commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector. Allocating substantial funds and providing resources to farmers, particularly in Kakamega County, highlights the strategic focus on coffee as a means to enhance economic growth. By fostering cooperation among farmers and emphasizing diversification, the government seeks to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods in the region.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke