Uasin Gishu Governor H.E. Dr. Jonathan Bii on Thursday presided over the official flagging off of coffee seedlings in Ainabkoi Sub-County—a key milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance coffee production as part of its agricultural transformation agenda.

Accompanied by senior county officials and local leaders, Governor Dr. Bii reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting high-value crop farming through strategic support, including the continued distribution of seedlings. The event is part of a broader rollout of coffee seedlings across all six sub-counties in Uasin Gishu.

“Coffee is no longer just a supplementary crop—it has become a vital pillar of our rural economy,” Dr. Bii stated. “Through this program, we aim to empower our farmers, create jobs, increase incomes, and promote climate-resilient agriculture.”

To date, the county has distributed a cumulative total of 1,245,558 coffee seedlings, with over 1,000,000 already requested for the 2025 planting season.

This surge in demand reflects growing confidence in coffee farming among smallholder farmers and organized cooperatives.

“We’re witnessing a transformation in rural livelihoods,” Dr. Bii added. “What we now need is to maintain this momentum and ensure that every coffee farmer—whether new or experienced—receives the support they need.”

Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea noted that the initiative aligns with the County Government’s broader goal of crop diversification under the Nguzo Kumi development blueprint.

“Coffee, alongside other high-value crops like avocado, macadamia, and pyrethrum, is central to our agricultural commercialization efforts,” Kapkea emphasized. “It promotes farmer resilience, food security, and climate adaptation, while generating export revenue.”

County data indicates that coffee is now grown in all six sub-counties, with Ainabkoi leading in acreage expansion. Ward representatives including Hon. Gilbert Chepkonga (Ainabkoi/Olare Ward), MCA Isack Kemboi (Kapsoya Ward), Hon. Sarah Malel (Kimumu Ward), and Hon. Jonathan Ngetich (Kaptagat Ward) lauded the county’s initiative, encouraging more farmers—especially women and youth—to embrace coffee farming and join cooperative societies for improved market access and resource sharing.

Representing CECM Kotut, the CECM for Water, Antony Sitienei, underscored the need for sustained investment in seedling production, extension services, and farm infrastructure to ensure long-term success.

With projections indicating that coffee acreage could reach 5,052 acres over the next five years, Uasin Gishu’s coffee sector is on a steady path to becoming one of Kenya’s leading regional models for sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth.