Kirinyaga:Kenyan coffee farmers will experience expanded opportunities to market their produce with the implementation of the Coffee Act 2026. This new legislation permits the sale of coffee through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE), direct sales, international exchanges, and additional channels as prescribed by the Cabinet Secretary.
According to Kenya News Agency, Henry Kinyua, Chairperson of the Coffee Board of Kenya, stated that the new framework is designed to strengthen the coffee sector while ensuring timely payments to farmers. During the International Coffee Day celebrations in Kirinyaga County, Kinyua highlighted that currently, 80% of Kenyan coffee is sold via the NCE.
The event, themed “Building Prosperity Through Collaboration,” gathered farmers, government officials, and other stakeholders in the coffee value chain. Kinyua emphasized that farmers using the exchange would benefit from the Direct Settlement System, which ensures payments are made to growers’ accounts within five days of procurement.
He acknowledged that while individual farmers within cooperatives could face delays due to the consolidation process, last season’s payments were generally timely. The Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund, managed by the New Kenya Planters’ Cooperative Union (KPCU), also provides farmers access to part of their expected earnings in advance.
Kinyua further indicated ongoing efforts to enhance the global profile of Kenyan coffee and ensure it remains a reputable product in international markets. The board is working on regulations to promote sector development and farmer benefits.
Dr. John Gachara, Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, emphasized the importance of increasing coffee productivity while maintaining quality. He noted the coffee bush’s critical role in production and reported that extension officers are collaborating with farmers to boost output to over 10 kilograms per bush.
Gachara also advised farmers to follow recommended agricultural practices to meet international standards. Calbert Njeru, the Trade Executive, reported a significant increase in coffee production in Kirinyaga County, from 2.3 million kilograms in 2017 to 49.1 million kilograms last year, attributing the growth to county government support.
Coffee generated Sh7.4 billion for Kirinyaga farmers last year, significantly contributing to the local economy. Kirinyaga Coffee Union chairman Godfrey Munyagia highlighted the celebrations as a platform for discussing industry challenges and developing sustainable farming solutions, urging collaboration for future growth.
