Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government will waive the Sh176 million debt owed by Embu Coffee Mills, a move aimed at boosting the coffee sector and improving farmer earnings. Speaking during a farmers’ engagement at Kavutiri Primary School grounds in Runyenjes, Embu County, Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to revitalizing the coffee industry through robust reforms.
The Deputy President revealed that Sh7 billion has been allocated under the Coffee Cherry Advance Fund, providing farmers with accessible and affordable credit. He warned against the mismanagement of coffee cooperatives, stressing the need for stricter governance to protect farmers’ earnings. “We must not allow unscrupulous managers to misuse farmers’ money. Affordable funds are available there’s no need for loans with high interest rates,” he said.
Kindiki highlighted the government’s success in increasing coffee earnings, noting that farmers are now earning more than Sh100 per kilogram of cherry surpassing the minimum guarantee promised in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto. In some areas, farmers are receiving up to Sh150 per kilogram, a significant jump within just two years.
Key legislative reforms are underway, including the Coffee Bill 2025 and the Cooperatives Bill 2025, both designed to further streamline operations within the coffee value chain. A new policy now restricts actors to a single license whether farming, milling, brokerage, or marketing to curb exploitation and improve efficiency.
Other measures include faster payments, with farmers receiving proceeds within five days of sales at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, and plans to enhance the distribution of subsidized fertilizers and pesticides to ease production costs.
Kindiki reiterated that the government’s focus remains on development and warned against derailing progress with divisive politics. He pledged continued support for the Mt Kenya region, assuring residents of the timely delivery of all projects launched by President William Ruto.
“We are working hard so that when we seek your support again, we will have a strong scorecard to present,” Kindiki affirmed.
The reforms mark a significant step toward restoring coffee’s former glory as “black gold” and improving the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyan farmers.
