DP Gachagua to work with Parliament in review of coffee subsector laws

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has committed to working with Parliament to comprehensively address the legislative, operational and other gaps in the coffee sub-sector.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with coffee marketing experts and the Parliamentary Coffee Reforms Caucus chairperson MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, the Deputy President said wrong strategy in marketing and redundant institutions have contributed to deteriorating earnings for coffee farmers.

Mr Gachagua held consultations with coffee marketers, Ethiopian Tadesse Meskela and US-based Kenyan Laban Njuguna as well as Wamuchomba, the Githunguri MP, as he seeks to consolidate views to inform the coffee subsector reforms.

“Globally, consumers of coffee are paying one of the highest prices ever. It is, however, a sad story in Kenya as farmers continue to be poorer and poorer. President William Ruto and I are offering full political support to Parliament to do what it takes to bring back better returns to the farmer,” he said at the Harambee House Annex meeting.

While numerous engagements have indicated that brokers and other barriers are responsible for the limited benefits to farmers, the DP observed, systemic issues can be answered through fresh or amendments to various pieces of legislation.

“We have a responsibility to change the situation for the Kenya farmer to earn a dignified life. That is why we are consulting even beyond our borders for good practices and lessons. These will enrich our national dialogue for informed sustainable action,” he said.

One of the surest ways, he noted, is linking coffee farmers directly to the buyer after aggregation. Any other barriers must be dismantled to cut operational costs to allow for more money to trickle down to the farmer.

“We have interacted with reports and engaged production and marketing experts; it is clear that prolonged chains from production to sale gates are not adding value to the farmer. They are unnecessary burden,” Gachagua said.

Some of the laws that may be reviewed include the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013, Crops Act 2013, Cooperative Societies Act, 2020, among others. 

Ahead of such legislative amendments, Gachagua announced that a coffee conference will be held soon to consolidate more views from the other national and grassroots stakeholders, including farmers.

In addition, the Deputy President said that while grading of coffee remains the criterion for determining quality, Kenya will consider marketing the distinct flavours at the international arena.

The Githunguri MP Wamuchomba raised concerns over stealing of coffee berries from factories or during transportation.

Gachagua said arrangements, through the Ministry of Interior will be made to address this matter.

In uplifting and sustaining the quality of Kenyan coffee, the Deputy President said sensitisation of farmers will also be given prominence as it is key to better pay.