KIRINYAGA, June 22, 2026 — President William Ruto has unveiled a new phase of the government’s coffee sector reforms, focusing on local processing, packaging and branding as part of efforts to increase farmers’ earnings and create jobs across the value chain.
Speaking during the launch of the National Coffee Revival Through Cooperative Societies Programme in Kianyaga, Kirinyaga County, Ruto said Kenya can no longer rely on exporting raw coffee if farmers are to realize the full value of their produce.
The President noted that the government is implementing measures to ensure more coffee is processed locally before reaching international markets, saying the move will retain more revenue in the country while creating employment opportunities in manufacturing, logistics and marketing.
He said the coffee reforms have already begun benefiting farmers, with farm-gate prices increasing from between KSh30 and KSh70 per kilogramme to between KSh120 and KSh160 per kilogramme over the last two years. The government has also directed that at least 80 per cent of coffee sale proceeds be paid directly to farmers within five days of a sale.
Ruto further said the administration is supporting growers through subsidized fertilizer, quality seedlings, enhanced extension services and modern farming technologies aimed at increasing productivity and reducing production costs.
The National Coffee Revival Through Cooperative Societies Programme seeks to strengthen cooperative societies, improve market access and restore coffee as a key driver of rural economic growth in traditional growing regions.
More Stories
How Rhino Charge Is Putting Samburu’s Remote Landscapes on Kenya’s Tourism Map
Inside the 2003 Crash That Nearly Claimed Martha Karua’s Life
Why Gachagua’s DCP May Struggle in Ol Kalou as Government Machinery Tightens Grassroots Grip