The Uasin Gishu Department of Agriculture held a coffee lead farmers meeting on Monday at the Agricultural Mechanization Services, to strategize ways to improve coffee farming in the county.

The meeting which was led by CECM Agriculture Mr Edwards Sawe, Chief Officer Mr Elphas Kesio and Deputy Director Agribusiness Mr Joel Ruto focused on increasing farmers’ income through various initiatives.

Central to the meeting was a focus on marketing, as the department highlighted the importance of cooperative participation for farmers with less than 2.5 acres of land.

CECM emphasizing the benefits of collective action, attendees were informed that joining a cooperative would be mandatory for smaller-sized coffee farms.

He further said that farmers with over 2.5 acres will be granted permits to operate as estates, contributing to the region’s coffee industry.

The meeting also highlighted the initiatives taken by President William Ruto’s administration to improve coffee farming in Kenya.

With CECM Sawe says the government has recognized the importance of the coffee sector in the country’s economy and has implemented various measures to support farmers.

Agriculture Chief Officer Mr Elphas Kesio emphasized that the success of the coffee industry relies on the collaboration between the government, farmers, and other stakeholders.

“The Department would provide technical assistance, facilitate access to markets, and create an enabling environment for your coffee farming to thrive,’ Added Mr. Kesio.

Kesio urged farmers to take advantage of the Government’s initiatives and actively participate in cooperative societies to maximize their income potential.