Government to Distribute 5 Million Coffee Seedlings to Uasin Gishu Farmers

By Isaack Kogei

 

The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Wycliffe Oparanya, has announced that the government will distribute 5 million coffee seedlings to Uasin Gishu farmers through cooperative societies at the start of the next financial year.

 

Speaking during a visit to the county, Oparanya said the initiative is part of a broader effort to revive Kenya’s coffee sector and restore its former glory.

“We are keen to support those who have already planted coffee so they can produce at least 10kgs per bush,” he said. “We are also expanding coffee coverage—that’s why I’ve visited at least 35 counties to rally support for this profitable venture.”

 

 

The government has allocated Ksh 500 million to support the program, which is being implemented through the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (New KPCU).

 

Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea welcomed the move but called on the ministry to go further by setting up a coffee research center in the North Rift region.

 

He emphasized the need for better support infrastructure, including quality seedlings, pulping machines, fertilizers, pesticides, milling equipment, and proper storage facilities.

 

 

“We shall visit cooperative societies championing coffee farming, have conversations with them, and see areas they need to be supported for them to do better in this value chain,” said Kapkea.

 

The leaders called for a renewed commitment to tackle the challenges facing the coffee sector and boost farmer confidence across the region.