President William Ruto has launched a major coffee revitalisation programme aimed at increasing production, improving farmer incomes, and restoring the crop’s position as one of Kenya’s leading agricultural exports.
The initiative, unveiled in Kirinyaga County on Monday, seeks to rejuvenate the coffee sector through the distribution of more than 20 million coffee seedlings to farmers across key growing regions.
Government targets higher production
The programme is part of the government’s broader agricultural transformation agenda, which focuses on increasing productivity, enhancing value addition, and improving returns for farmers.
Officials say the initiative will address longstanding challenges facing the sector, including declining yields, ageing coffee trees, and limited access to quality planting materials.
Through the programme, farmers are expected to receive improved seedlings alongside technical support designed to enhance productivity and coffee quality.
Over 900 coffee champions commissioned
As part of the rollout, President Ruto also commissioned more than 900 coffee champions who will work closely with farmers to promote best agricultural practices, provide training, and encourage the adoption of modern farming techniques.
The government hopes the network of champions will accelerate the implementation of reforms at the grassroots level and help farmers maximize production.
Why Kirinyaga was selected
Kirinyaga was chosen as the launch venue due to its longstanding reputation as one of Kenya’s leading coffee-producing counties.
The county is home to some of the country’s top coffee cooperatives and contributes significantly to Kenya’s premium Arabica coffee exports, which continue to command strong demand in international markets.
Reviving a key export sector
Coffee remains one of Kenya’s most valuable cash crops and a major source of foreign exchange earnings. However, production has declined over the years due to a combination of ageing plantations, fluctuating prices, and changing farming patterns.
The government believes the revitalisation programme will help reverse that trend by increasing acreage under coffee cultivation, improving yields, and strengthening support services for smallholder farmers.
Focus on sustainable livelihoods
Beyond increasing production, the programme aims to make coffee farming more profitable and sustainable for millions of households that depend on the crop for their livelihoods.
Officials say improved access to quality seedlings, extension services, and farmer support programmes will play a critical role in restoring confidence in the sector and attracting more farmers back to coffee cultivation.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts by the government to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural value chains and improve the contribution of farming to economic growth and rural development.
