Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has committed to work 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 Wa Muchomba 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 Ms 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,
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 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,” Mr 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, Mr 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.

Mr 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.