The government has stepped up efforts to expand coffee farming in the Nyanza region as part of a broader strategy to increase farmers’ incomes and revive Kenya’s coffee industry.
The initiative targets counties including Kisumu, Siaya and Migori, where farmers are being encouraged to shift from low-income farming activities to coffee cultivation, which offers higher returns through local and export markets.
Officials say the programme is expected to diversify household incomes while contributing to the government’s target of increasing national coffee production.
Farmers to Join Cooperatives and SACCOs
As part of the programme, the government is registering new coffee farmers and organising them into cooperative societies to strengthen production, improve bargaining power and enhance market access.
Farmers are also being encouraged to join Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) to improve access to affordable financing for farm inputs and expansion.
Authorities believe stronger cooperative structures will enable farmers to benefit from economies of scale and better prices for their produce.
Support Across the Coffee Value Chain
The coffee expansion programme includes support throughout the value chain, from seedling distribution and agronomic training to production support and market linkages.
Government officials said the intervention is designed to help farmers improve productivity while maximising returns from coffee farming.
Sensitisation and mobilisation forums have already been conducted in Kakamega and Kisumu counties as the government accelerates implementation of the initiative.
Boosting Kenya’s Coffee Production
The programme forms part of the government’s wider plan to revive the country’s coffee sector and increase national output.
Officials expressed confidence that expanding coffee cultivation into regions such as Nyanza will play a key role in achieving President William Ruto’s target of producing at least 150,000 tonnes of coffee annually by the 2028/29 season.
The government expects the expansion into non-traditional coffee-growing areas to increase export earnings, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in rural communities.
