THIKA: Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, Wycliff Oparanya, has issued a stern warning to directors of coffee cooperatives, urging them to cease their collaborations with cartels that have defrauded farmers. His remarks underscore a broader commitment by the government to address the persistent challenges plaguing the coffee sector, with an emphasis on safeguarding the interests of farmers. According to Kenya News Agency, Oparanya lamented the pervasive corruption among cooperative directors, noting that many cooperatives remain mired in debt despite frequent financial waivers granted by the government. Addressing over 400 farmers in Thika town, Oparanya highlighted the government's financial burden due to the escalating debts. Initially, the government had pledged to settle a Sh6 billion debt, but the figure has ballooned to Sh9 billion even before the commitment could be fulfilled. Oparanya criticized the directors for their deceitful practices, accusing them of misleading farmers about the receipt of go vernment funds. He condemned their advice for farmers to seek bank loans despite the government's financial interventions aimed at alleviating their financial burdens. He declared his readiness to overhaul the sector, pledging to eradicate dishonest practices and ensure transparency and accountability. The ongoing coffee reforms are part of the government's strategy to rejuvenate the sector. Oparanya indicated that bills are presently under review in the national assembly, with his ministry having communicated to Parliament the necessity for amendments to protect farmers' interests. As part of the reforms, the New Kenya Planters' Cooperative Union (KPCU) is slated for restructuring. Coffee farmers, led by Joseph Ndung'u Kimani from Komothai in Kiambu County, have voiced their support for the government's reform initiatives, urging Parliament to expedite the legislative process. They emphasized the need for politicians to refrain from interfering in the sector, pointing to previous instances where unfulfille d promises led to stagnation and decline. Farmers like Gordon Ndombi and Agnes Masika from Bungoma and Trans Nzoia Counties have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, citing issues such as poor seedling quality, limited access to pesticides, and inadequate payment systems. They have called on the government to address these challenges promptly to ensure maximum benefits for all coffee farmers.