Kirinyaga: Farmers in Kirinyaga Central and Ndia constituencies have been challenged to embrace coffee farming and gradually move away from maize cultivation, which stakeholders say offers lower returns compared to coffee production. Speaking in Kaitheri Village, Kirinyaga Central Constituency, National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) Chairman Felix Mwai highlighted the potential of these areas to compete with Gichugu Constituency, the county’s leading coffee-producing region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mwai, who is also the Chairman of Inoi Coffee Cooperative Society, reported that Kirinyaga Central and Ndia constituencies jointly produced about 16 million kilogrammes of coffee during the last season, compared to over 34 million kilogrammes produced by Gichugu Constituency alone. Mwai emphasized the economic advantages of coffee farming over maize, urging farmers to invest more in coffee cultivation due to its higher returns.
Mwai revealed that coffee farmers in Kirinyaga County earned approximately Sh 6.9 billion from coffee sales, with a significant portion of this revenue, over Sh 5 billion, being generated by Gichugu farmers. In contrast, farmers from Kirinyaga Central and Ndia shared about Sh. 2 billion. He attributed these impressive earnings to improved governance and management of cooperative societies, which are resulting in better prices for farmers’ produce.
He noted that coffee farmers are experiencing some of the highest cherry prices in recent years, with payouts ranging between Sh 120 and Sh 157 per kilogramme. These improved prices have significantly boosted household incomes and renewed confidence in the sector. Mwai cited Baragwi Coffee Cooperative Society in Gichugu as an example of success, having produced about 13 million kilogrammes of coffee and generating returns of approximately Sh 2.9 billion for its members.
Mwai further challenged farmers, especially those in Ndia Constituency, to reconsider the viability of maize farming and utilize available land for coffee cultivation. He explained the economic potential by stating that a quarter-acre of land can only produce about four bags of maize, but the same land can accommodate more than 200 coffee bushes capable of earning a farmer over Sh 200,000 in one season.
John Kariuki, a farmer from Ndia, asserted the area’s immense potential to increase coffee production, emphasizing the need for more support from both the county and national governments. He noted that with proper resources and support, Ndia farmers can match the production levels recorded in the upper parts of Kirinyaga.
Kariuki highlighted the importance of establishing more cooperative societies to bring services closer to growers and help them access quality inputs, extension services, and better markets for their produce. He also acknowledged the role of the government’s subsidized fertilizer programme in supporting coffee farming and reducing production costs.
Expressing optimism, Kariuki stated that with increased investment in coffee farming, improved farmer support programmes, and stronger cooperative societies, Ndia and Kirinyaga Central could significantly increase their production and earnings in the coming years. This would further strengthen Kirinyaga County’s position as one of Kenya’s leading coffee-growing regions.
