Cooperatives Chief Officer Ruth Samoei on Thursday highlighted the significance of coffee as one of the value chains that Uasin Gishu Governor H.E Jonathan Bii is deeply passionate about, showcasing the potential for growth and prosperity within the sector.

Speaking during the first annual general meeting of Uasin Gishu Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union held at Home Craft, pioneer Samoei congratulated the societies for agreeing to come together noting that they stand to benefit from the economies of scale hence better pricing.

“As a union and through the support of the county government, you stand a chance of getting a pulping machine and even a coffee factory through your organisation,” said Samoei

She called on them to take advantage of the County Enterprise Development Fund(CEDF) to better their businesses urging them to increase the number of coffee bushes further emphasizing that coffee is a high-value crop that can yield substantial returns for those involved in its cultivation.

The Union Chairman Joseph Kurgat thanked the county for the provision of coffee seedlings to the farmers stressing the need to use Cooperatives for any future distribution of the seedlings.

The Union brings together Primary Cooperatives from Soy, Ainabkoi, and Turbo Sub Counties.

In attendance were John Rutto Director Agribusiness, Sub County Cooperative Officers, Coffee Officer Maritim and Coffee Cooperatives from Kapseret, Kesses, and Moiben Sub Counties.