The Kenyan government plans to increase coffee production from 50,000 to 150,000 metric tonnes by 2028, supported by Sh500 million in budget allocations. Training programs for farmers and the establishment of the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund (CCARF) are key components of this initiative. Kakamega County serves as a pilot region for this program, emphasizing the importance of coffee in combating poverty and improving agricultural practices.
The Government of Kenya plans to significantly increase coffee production from the current 50,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes by 2028, as announced by Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya. During a forum held at Kakamega’s Approved School ground, which focused on revitalizing the coffee and dairy sectors, Oparanya emphasized the importance of coffee as an emerging transformative crop within the agricultural sector.
To support this initiative, the government has allocated Sh500 million in this year’s budget specifically for the enhancement of the coffee and dairy sectors. Free training is being provided to approximately 5,000 prospective coffee farmers, along with the distribution of certified coffee seedlings. Kakamega County has been identified as a pilot region for this program, intending to train about 1,200 individuals, including youths and women, in coffee farming practices.
As part of this agricultural push, 1,700 farmers in Likuyani Sub County are preparing around 1,400 acres for coffee planting. Oparanya urged more farmers to unite in cooperatives to access government support effectively. He also announced the establishment of the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund (CCARF) to provide manageable advances to smallholder coffee farmers, aimed at improving their financial stability.
However, Oparanya expressed concern that Kakamega County only received Sh1.7 million from the Cherry Fund, whereas Bungoma was allocated Sh368 million from the total Sh7.7 billion earmarked for coffee farmers nationwide last year. He encouraged farmers in the Western region to diversify their crops instead of relying solely on one cash crop, highlighting coffee’s potential to combat poverty within the region.
The Cabinet Secretary remarked, “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.” He illustrated the significance of coffee by comparing the transport realities of coffee versus maize, noting that transporting a full lorry of coffee to the Nairobi Stock Exchange necessitates a police escort, whereas maize does not.
The New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) has been tasked with revitalizing coffee farming, marketing Kenyan coffee on the global stage, and providing warehousing and milling services throughout the country.
In summary, the Kenyan government is taking substantial steps to triple coffee production by 2028, focusing on the establishment of new training programs, financial support, and cooperative organization for farmers. With a budget of Sh500 million dedicated to enhancing the coffee and dairy sectors, this initiative aims not only to bolster coffee cultivation but also to alleviate poverty in the region. The Cabinet Secretary’s emphasis on diversification and cooperative efforts underlines a strategic approach to agricultural development.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
