The government has appointed a dual coffee revival steering committee for national and county governments charged with developing strategies which will help improve coffee production in Kenya.
The National Steering Committee and County Steering Committee on the revival of Coffee through co-operatives constituted by the Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya through a gazette notice is expected to undertake the functions for a period of two years, effective October 31, 2025.
The National Committee which comprises of 15 members and is chaired by former Embu senator Njeru Ndwiga is expected to develop and submit a report on the revitalization of the coffee sub-sector through co-operative societies, develop and oversee implementation of strategies to introduce coffee farming in the non- tradition and or emerging coffee-farming regions through the co-operative movement.
Land under coffee production has been dwindling over the years as farmers opt for different economic activities a factor which has led to coffee decline from as high as 130,000 metric tonnes annually to 48,700 metric tonnes reported last year.
In a move aimed at expanding land under coffee cultivation from the current 111,900 hectares, the committees are also tasked with developing and overseeing implementation of strategies to revive coffee production in the traditional coffee–growing regions as well as mobilize financial resources needed to support coffee Co–operatives and revitalization efforts.
Currently, Kenya coffee cooperatives contribute the largest share of production and accounted for 37,200 tonnes out of 49,500 tonnes produced last year. The coffee estates accounted for 12,300 tonnes.
The committees are also expected to provide strategic oversight for revitalization of coffee co–operatives in the traditional coffee growing regions, develop strategies to assess and ensure the availability of coffee seedlings per variety in the country, develop and oversee implementation of strategies that ensure inclusion of women and youth in coffee co–operative societies.
The county coffee revival committee comprises of seven members with county commissioner as the chairperson. Other members include CEC for Agriculture/Co-operatives who is also co-chair, County New KPCU Representative, County Chief Officer of Agriculture, County Chief Officer of Co-operatives, Coffee Co-operative Society/Union Representative and County Director of Co-operatives .
“The County Steering Committee shall have similar functions to the National Steering Committee at the County level and shall report on progress and outcomes to the National Steering Committee,” said Oparanya.
The committees are expected to develop communication and branding strategies aimed at providing visibility and enlightening the farmers on the overall objectives of the program.
