President William Ruto has signed the Coffee Act, 2023 into law, introducing sweeping reforms intended to revive Kenya’s struggling coffee sector and strengthen regulation of the industry.
The legislation was one of three Bills assented to on Friday morning at State House in Nairobi.
Government officials say the new law reorganises the coffee industry by creating stronger institutions and improving oversight across the value chain.
New regulator for the coffee sector
One of the biggest changes introduced by the law is the establishment of the Coffee Board of Kenya.
The board will take over regulatory and commercial roles that were previously handled by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA).
President Ruto said the law is meant to strengthen governance and development of the sector.
“The new Coffee Act strengthens the development and regulation of the coffee industry by establishing the Coffee Board of Kenya to regulate and promote the sector. It also creates the Coffee Research and Training Institute,” Ruto said.
The Act also establishes the Coffee Research and Training Institute to support research, innovation and farmer training.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the reforms will improve production and marketing structures.
“The Coffee Act improves the framework for production and marketing of coffee and creates a specialised research and training outfit for coffee,” Kindiki said.
Why the reforms are being introduced
Kenya’s coffee sector has been facing challenges for decades.
Production has declined significantly, while many farmers have shifted to other crops due to low earnings.
Industry experts say weak institutional frameworks and limited research support have also contributed to the sector’s decline.
The new law aims to reverse these trends by strengthening regulation and supporting innovation.
Authorities believe better training and research will help farmers increase productivity and improve coffee quality.
Kenya remains globally recognised for its high-quality Arabica coffee, which attracts premium prices in international markets.
Officials say the reforms could help restore the country’s position as a leading coffee producer.
The government hopes the new legal framework will strengthen the entire coffee value chain while improving incomes for farmers.
