Soy Sub-County is set to establish approximately 99 acres of new coffee plantations following the distribution of 98,998 quality coffee seedlings to farmers, as the County Government of Uasin Gishu intensifies efforts to expand coffee production and diversify household incomes.
H.E. Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim today led the flag-off of the seedlings, marking another milestone in the County’s strategy to position coffee as a high-value commercial crop and create sustainable income opportunities for farmers.
The seedlings are being distributed across Ziwa, Moi’s Bridge, Kapkures, Segero/Barsombe, Kipsomba, Soy and Kuinet/Kapsuswa wards, with beneficiaries accessing them from designated distribution centres within their respective areas.
The exercise is being coordinated by agricultural extension officers and ward administrators to bring the service closer to farmers, facilitate timely distribution and provide technical support on proper establishment and management of the crop.
Speaking during the flag-off, Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim said his administration is committed to transforming coffee farming into a profitable and sustainable commercial enterprise through investments in quality planting materials, extension services, farmer training, cooperative development, processing, value addition and market linkages.
The Governor noted that expanding coffee production will enable farmers to diversify their sources of income, strengthen household livelihoods and contribute to the growth of Uasin Gishu’s agricultural economy.
He urged beneficiaries to plant the seedlings immediately and work closely with agricultural extension officers to ensure proper establishment, maintenance and productivity of their coffee farms.
Deputy Governor Hon. Evans Kapkea said the coffee programme is part of the County Government’s broader integrated development agenda under Governor Bii’s leadership.
He highlighted ongoing interventions in water development, healthcare, Early Childhood Development (ECD), support for children, milk production and agriculture, noting that the County is implementing programmes designed to improve livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for residents.
Hon. Kapkea said the integrated approach is intended to address the needs of farmers, families and communities while laying a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth.
County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Dr. Sam Kottut, said the department will undertake immediate monitoring and evaluation to ensure that all distributed seedlings are planted and properly established.
Dr. Kottut urged farmers to work closely with agricultural extension officers, particularly amid unreliable rainfall patterns, to receive guidance on watering, mulching and other appropriate management practices.
He assured farmers that the department will closely monitor the establishment of the seedlings and provide the necessary technical support to achieve a 100 per cent survival rate.
The Soy distribution builds on the County Government’s ongoing coffee expansion programme, which has seen 157,000 seedlings distributed in Turbo, 103,110 in Moiben, 99,000 in Kesses and 204,000 in Ainabkoi.
With the addition of the 98,998 seedlings distributed in Soy, the five sub-counties have received a combined 662,108 coffee seedlings, with the potential to establish approximately 662.1 acres of new coffee plantations across Uasin Gishu County.
