Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, has called on stakeholders across the coffee value chain to work together in revitalizing Kenya’s coffee sector and improving farmers’ incomes.

Speaking during the North Rift Region County Steering Committee on Coffee Revitalization Sensitization Forum at the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) in Eldoret, Oparanya said the County Steering Committee will coordinate efforts to boost coffee production, strengthen cooperative societies, promote value addition, and improve market access.

Representing Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, CECM for Trade, Investment, Industrialization, Tourism and Cooperative Development, Dr. Philip Chebunet, accompanied by Agriculture CECM Dr. Sam Kipkemboi Kottut, reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to revitalizing coffee farming through strategic investments.

Dr. Chebunet said the county plans to distribute over 1.6 million coffee seedlings once the rains begin, alongside constructing the Cheramei Coffee Milling Plant, propagating quality seedlings at Chebororwa ATC, strengthening coffee cooperative societies, and implementing programmes to increase production and improve farmers’ earnings.

The forum reaffirmed the commitment of the National and County Governments to work with farmers, cooperative societies, and development partners to build a sustainable and competitive coffee sector.

The meeting was attended by County Commissioners from the four North Rift counties,, Chief Officers, Directors, cooperative leaders, coffee farmers, and other stakeholders.