Kenya launches programme to boost coffee production to 150,000 tonnes

Kenya has launched a national coffee revitalisation programme aimed at increasing annual coffee production from 50,000 to more than 150,000 metric tonnes by 2028/29. This was reported by Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Wycliffe Oparanya said the programme is focused on expanding coffee cultivation, strengthening cooperatives and providing targeted support to farmers. He noted that the initiative is part of efforts to restore Kenya’s position among the world’s leading coffee producers.

The programme will involve cooperation between national and county authorities, agricultural institutions and sector stakeholders to coordinate implementation. County steering committees will identify coffee-growing areas, assess farmers’ needs, monitor production and determine where seedlings, equipment and other support measures are required.

Oparanya said the government has increased funding for the coffee sector, allocating US$7.7 million in the current financial year to support reforms and farmer-focused initiatives.

To improve productivity and reduce costs, Kenya plans to develop strategic coffee processing facilities in regions including Eldoret, Kakamega, and the Mount Kenya area. The government is also working to make coffee processing equipment more accessible to farmers through support programmes.