The government plans to launch an initiative aimed at reviving the coffee sector addressing the standing issues that have hindered its growth. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday pledged to address the dire circumstances faced by coffee farmers whom he said have been exploited by powerful coffee cartels and brokers.

“These cartels have banded together, resorting to all means, including spreading propaganda. They are trying to create an artificial crisis. That is because of changes made in the policy people have refused to buy coffee and that is pure lies. They want to force us to sell it to them,” he stated.

Speaking at the Kagere PCEA church in Othaya, the DP emphasized the need to rejuvenate the cooperative movement by implementing reforms. Key among them is the revival of the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU), which will aid farmers in efficient milling and eliminate losses during the milling process.

“These private millers are benefiting unfairly on three fronts. They take the coffee and claim 35 per cent is millage losses and you were not there to see. Secondly, they falsely grade coffee, and thirdly, they give poor prices of coffee selling it at one price, all while our world-renowned beans command premium prices in international markets,” he added.

Further, Gachagua highlighted how cartels have permeated the entire coffee value chain, causing severe financial hardship for smallholder farmers and leaving them in a cycle of poverty.

“I want to urge coffee farmers to be patient with me,” the DP implored.

Earlier this year, a Coffee Stakeholders Conference was held in Meru County to address challenges faced by farmers with cartels ripping big using dishonest schemes. 

Share this