logo

UASIN GISHU COUNTY AND COFFEE FARMERS UNION DISCUSS PLANS FOR COUNTY-OWNED COFFEE MILL

The future of coffee production in Uasin Gishu County is set to grow significantly, with plans underway to establish a sustainable coffee milling plant within the county.

This was the statement of Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii on Wednesday during a meeting with the Uasin Gishu Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (UGCFCU) and Simon Muritu, the Manager of Eldoret Coffee Management Services (CMS) Mills.

The meeting focused on deliberating plans for the Union to acquire its milling plant, aimed at easing the processing of coffee within the county. Currently, the Union relies on the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (NKPCU) for milling services.

Governor Bii reiterated his call for farmers to adopt diversification and promote high-value crops, noting that the acquisition of a local milling plant will further boost coffee production.

“Diversification is the key conversation we’re focusing on, and having a coffee mill within our county will be a major advantage for our farmers,” he said.

CMS Manager Simon Muritu emphasized the county’s potential to produce high-quality coffee due to its high altitude. He encouraged the Union to take control of brokering their coffee directly, bypassing third-party brokers, to secure better market deals. Muritu noted that some farmers in the region have already achieved high-quality grades, reaching up to class four coffee.

County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Cooperatives Martha Cheruto, shared that her department is working diligently to ensure cooperatives thrive for wealth creation and sustainable economic growth. She also revealed plans for the inaugural County Cooperative Leaders Convention, where coffee production will be one of the key agenda items.

Union Chair Joseph Kurgat welcomed the plans, stating that having a mill within the county will inspire more farmers to grow coffee and improve production during the ongoing harvest season.

Key county officials in attendance included Chief of Staff Nicholas Chepkwony, City Manager Tito Koiyet and Chief Officer for Agriculture Elphas Kesio.