Nairobi: Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim launched the distribution of 157,000 quality coffee seedlings to farmers in Turbo Sub-county. This initiative aims to establish approximately 157 acres of coffee as part of the county’s one-million coffee seedling programme set for 2026.
According to Kenya News Agency, the launch took place at Tiret Hospital and Leseru Chief’s Office and builds on the previous distribution of over 1.2 million coffee seedlings across the county. Governor Bii emphasized his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the coffee sector beyond mere seedling distribution.
Governor Bii stated, “Our focus is not just on giving farmers seedlings. We are strengthening the entire coffee value chain through farmer training, extension support, cooperative development, processing, and value addition.” He announced that every coffee cooperative would receive a coffee pulper to enhance post-harvest handling, coffee quality, and local processing, enabling farmers to retain more value from their produce and improve earnings.
Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea highlighted the administration’s efforts in introducing farmers to advanced practices in coffee production. He noted that under Governor Bii’s leadership, farmers and cooperative leaders have benchmarked in Kiambu County to learn best practices in coffee production, processing, value addition, cooperative management, and marketing.
Uasin Gishu currently has around 1,200 hectares under coffee cultivation. Farmers in Soy Sub-County achieved over Sh50 million in coffee sales in 2025, showcasing the crop’s growing economic potential. The 2026 programme, themed “Brewing Prosperity: Enhancing the Coffee Value Chain for Sustainable Economic Empowerment,” is being implemented across all six sub-counties as part of Governor Bii’s Nguzo Kumi development agenda, with agriculture as its first pillar.
The event was attended by CECMs Anthony Sitienei, Dr. Philip Chebunet, and Loice Murey; Tapsagoi Ward MCA Nicholas Bitok Rende; Chief Officers Eng. Abraham Kiptalam and Mark Some; as well as farmers, cooperative leaders, and other county officials.
