Tharaka nithi: The national government has launched a major coffee revitalization programme targeting the distribution of 20 million coffee seedlings in Tharaka Nithi County as part of efforts to boost coffee production and revive the once-thriving sector. The programme was officially launched at Mitheru Coffee Society in Chuka and attracted a large number of coffee farmers from across the region. During the launch, farmers received a total of 10,000 high-yield coffee seedlings to support increased production.
According to Kenya News Agency, Director of New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union PLC (New KPCU) Charles Mutwiri Mkarimu urged coffee farmers to embrace the new high-yielding coffee varieties, noting that they have the potential to significantly increase productivity compared to older coffee trees. Mkarimu explained that traditional coffee varieties currently produce an average of about two kilograms per tree, while the new seedlings can yield more than 20 kilograms per tree when properly managed.
Mkarimu noted that farmers who register with their cooperative societies will receive the seedlings free of charge. The cooperative societies will keep records of the beneficiaries and submit them to New KPCU to facilitate organized distribution. He also pointed out that coffee prices have improved in recent months, with farmers now earning more than Sh100 per kilogram, encouraging farmers to increase production to take advantage of the favorable market conditions.
Former Chuka University Vice Chancellor Professor Erastus Njoka recalled the important role coffee played in Kenya's economy in the past. He said that during the 1980s, coffee was among the country's leading foreign exchange earners and significantly contributed to economic development in many rural areas. Prof. Njoka added that coffee income also helped develop several urban centres in the region as farmers reinvested their earnings in local businesses and infrastructure.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga said the revival of coffee farming is among the key priorities under the government's agricultural transformation agenda. He noted that the government has already waived debts previously owed by coffee farmers, a move aimed at giving farmers a fresh start and encouraging them to increase production. Plans are also underway to modernize coffee factories in order to improve efficiency in processing, storage, and marketing of coffee.
Gitonga further emphasized the need to strengthen security at coffee factories and during transportation, noting that theft has previously affected the sector. He assured farmers that the County Security Committee will work closely with security agencies to ensure coffee factories are well protected during the harvesting and processing seasons.
Mitheru Coffee Society Chairman Benford Ireri encouraged young people in the region to embrace coffee farming, noting that the cooperative society has initiated programmes aimed at attracting more youth into the sector. Ireri emphasized that increasing both the quality and quantity of coffee production in Tharaka Nithi will depend on the active participation and commitment of farmers.