Leaders and coffee farmers in Murang’a County are calling on the national government to write off all debts in the coffee sector, including historical ones, to revamp the struggling industry. The call was made during an economic empowerment forum held at Njumbi High School grounds in Mathioya constituency, organized under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
Nominated MP Sabina Chege urged the government to replicate the debt waiver it had previously extended to sugarcane farmers. She emphasized that while ongoing coffee reforms had brought some relief including increased cherry prices and new fast-maturing, pest-resistant coffee varieties the sector remained crippled by massive debts. “Reforms have started bearing fruit, but for farmers to fully benefit, the government must address the debt burden,” she stated.
Murang’a County Woman Representative Betty Maina echoed Chege’s sentiments, urging the government to move swiftly and clear the over KSh 6.9 billion owed by coffee farmers. She noted that lack of access to subsidized fertilizer was another hurdle, calling on the government to provide affordable inputs to enhance productivity.
Maina also commended the revitalized management of Kangunu Farmers’ Cooperative Society. The cooperative, previously plagued by over a decade of mismanagement and losses, has shown improved performance following a government-led intervention. “We’re witnessing increased production and better governance. I urge farmers not to uproot their coffee but to plant improved varieties for better returns,” she said.
Farmers present lauded the reforms, citing improved earnings, but stressed the need for continued support in planting high-yield and disease-resistant varieties like Batian and Ruiru 11. John Chege, the new Kangunu Society chairperson, emphasized the economic benefits of shifting away from the older SL variety.
Young farmer Elijah Mugane shared how the reforms and leadership changes motivated him to embrace coffee farming. He encouraged other youth to join the sector, noting its potential for economic empowerment.
During the forum, Gitugi and Kangunu farmers received 10,000 Batian seedlings, signaling renewed efforts to modernize coffee farming and restore the crop’s profitability in Murang’a.
