Located in the heart of Kenya’s fertile Mt. Kenya Region, the Iyego Coffee Cooperative Society, based in Murang’a County’s Kangema Constituency, stands as a beacon of agricultural resilience and community-driven success. Established in 1959, the cooperative was born from the strategic decision to split from the Weithaga Coffee Growers Society Limited. Its humble beginning, with just 182 members, quickly grew into a strong and influential institution that now represents over 10,000 registered farmers, with about 70% actively participating in its operations.
The cooperative operates across several localities, including Iyego, Muguru, Muringa-ini, and Gacharaigu. Its growth over the decades has been remarkable, and it now boasts an impressive infrastructure that includes 12 factories. The Iyego Main Factory, located in the town of Boyo, serves as the heart of the cooperative’s processing activities. Over time, the cooperative expanded its reach with additional factories, including Mununga, Gatubu, Marimira, Kabiruini, Watuha, Gathima, Gitura, Kiarathe, Thangathi, Nyakahura, and Kirangano.
However, the cooperative has faced significant challenges in the coffee sector in recent years. Nationally, Kenya’s coffee industry has been struggling, and certain areas within the cooperative’s region have experienced declining coffee production. This decline has led to three factories Nyakahura, Kiarathe, and Kabiruini remaining dormant, while others such as Kirangano, Thangathi, Watuha, and Gathima now primarily function as collection centers. Despite these setbacks, the cooperative’s farmers have not abandoned their coffee heritage. Coffee bushes remain in the fields, and attention has shifted toward more profitable ventures, such as avocado cultivation and fodder production for dairy farming.
In response to the challenges faced by the coffee sector, the cooperative has undergone significant reforms in recent years. These changes have had a positive effect, resulting in an uptick in coffee production. For instance, during the 2024/2025 season, the cooperative sold 375,032 kilograms of clean coffee at an average price of $341 per bag (or $6.80 per kilogram), yielding a total of $2,555,256, which is equivalent to 330 million Kenyan shillings. This strong performance indicates a revitalization of the cooperative’s coffee production, as farmers are expected to receive over 100 Kenyan shillings per kilogram of cherry.
The Iyego Coffee Cooperative Society has also embraced vertical integration, roasting and packaging its own coffee under the well-known IYEGO brand. This move allows the cooperative to capture more value from the coffee production process and build a stronger brand identity. The roasted coffee is now sold to domestic and international markets, further strengthening the economic prospects of the cooperative’s members.
While coffee remains a key product for the society, the cooperative’s success is also rooted in its deep sense of community. The farmers are not just producers; they are partners, contributing to the growth and development of the cooperative. Each factory is equipped with its own administrative office, and the cooperative’s headquarters are strategically located in Kangema town. This ensures effective management and communication across the various operational sites.
The entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Murang’a County is evident in their approach to both farming and business. Those who are fortunate enough to visit the region are encouraged to take home some of the premium coffee produced by the Iyego Coffee Cooperative Society. However, be prepared to pay a fair price, as the residents of Murang’a are known for their strong business acumen, ensuring that each transaction is handled professionally.
As the cooperative continues to adapt to changes in the agricultural sector and embraces new opportunities, it remains a shining example of how community-based enterprises can thrive amidst challenges. The Iyego Coffee Cooperative Society is not just about coffee production; it is a testament to the enduring strength of agriculture in Kenya’s Mt. Kenya region and the resilience of its people.
