Kirinyaga coffee farmers reap big as revamped sector reforms drive record payouts

The government's revitalisation agenda for Kenya's coffee sub-sector has been widely welcomed by farmers as a strategic intervention to restore the crop’s profitability and global competitiveness.

Central to the value chain reforms—referred to by the government as one of the “golden keys to sectoral transformation”—are measures aimed at enhancing access to affordable farm inputs, streamlining management, and improving direct access to premium export markets. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the value chain, increase farmer earnings, and reposition Kenyan coffee as a top-tier global brand.

In Kirinyaga County, coffee farmers have reason to smile following the release of record-high cherry payouts for the 2024/2025 season. Already, 27 out of the county’s 75 wet mills have announced impressive rates of between Ksh100 and Ksh145 per kilogram of cherry.

Gacami Coffee Factory under the Baragwi Farmers Cooperative Society recorded the highest payout at Ksh145.10 per kilogram, followed closely by Karumandi (Ksh144.30), Mukure (Ksh144.25), Mucagara (Ksh143.80), Kii (Ksh142.35), Guama (Ksh141.80), Karimikui (Ksh141.13), Kiang’ombe (Ksh141.05), Kiangoi (Ksh140.51), and Nyanja (Ksh140.50).

Farmers and cooperative officials attribute the robust payouts to recent sector reforms and government support, particularly in the provision of subsidized farm inputs, agronomic training, and marketing support.

The reforms have enabled farmers to sell their coffee directly to buyers at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, cutting out middlemen and maximizing returns.

To further support farmer empowerment, the County Government facilitated the formation and registration of the Kirinyaga Slopes Coffee Brokerage Company Limited—licensed by the Capital Markets Authority—which allows cooperatives to act as brokers and sell directly at the auction.

Governor Anne Waiguru hailed the payouts as evidence that her administration’s coffee sector revitalisation strategy is bearing fruit.

“Our coffee farmers are beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labour, with impressive cherry payouts this season. Our county-level interventions—from extension services to cooperative strengthening—together with national government reforms and subsidized farm inputs, are delivering real impact. When we work together, the farmer wins,” said Waiguru. 

Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society Chairperson Joyce Wanjiku credited the improved returns to government-supplied fertilizer and training on best agricultural practices.

“I am very pleased that farmers have received better payouts. This is a clear indication that our hardworking farmers are finally being rewarded. The direct sale of coffee at the auction initiative spearheaded by Governor Waiguru has given us a greater say in the sale of our coffee,” she said.

Baragwi Cooperative Society Manager Cyrus Chomba said quality improvements across all 12 of its factories contributed to higher auction prices. He also highlighted cost-cutting initiatives such as the installation of solar dryers and the county’s timely provision of subsidized fertilizer.

“As a cooperative, we’ve reduced processing costs and improved delivery timelines. Farmers have also adopted better practices, and that’s boosting both quality and yield,” said Chomba.

Gacami Coffee Factory Director Simon Muriithi added that agronomist support and county-assisted fertilizer transport had helped lower production costs while minimizing post-harvest losses through better storage solutions.

Kirinyaga County facilitates the distribution of subsidized fertilizer to 28 coffee factories across its 14 registered cooperative societies. So far, five cooperatives—Baragwi, Kabare, Rungeto, Mwirua, and New Ngariama—have announced their 2024/25 payouts.

The county produces an average of 40,000 tons of coffee annually, earning farmers approximately Ksh2.8 billion. Farmers are optimistic that the revitalisation efforts will return coffee farming to its former profitability.

“I’m extremely grateful that our cooperative, under Baragwi, has achieved one of the highest payouts. We’re hopeful this trend will continue,” said Josphat Gachoki, a member of Gacami Coffee Factory.

“The training and timely inputs have made a big difference. We urge the government to keep supporting us,” added Lydiah Wanjira, a farmer from Rungeto Cooperative. 

“This year’s payout has been very good. The support we’ve received—from cooperative management to input provision—has led to better harvests,” said David Nyaga, another Rungeto farmer.