Kenya unveils plan to raise coffee earnings as production targets triple by 2028
President William Ruto outlines reforms to boost coffee farmers’ incomes, targeting higher prices, increased production and improved efficiency across Kenya’s coffee value chain.
KENYA – President William Ruto has announced an ambitious government plan to raise coffee farmers’ earnings in Kenya from the current Kes 158 per kilogramme to between Kes 250 and Kes 300 in the coming years, as part of efforts to revive the country’s coffee sector.
The President made the announcement in Kirinyaga County during the launch of a coffee revival programme, saying the government had already made progress in improving farmgate prices but more reforms were needed to restore profitability in the sector.
Ruto noted that coffee farmers previously earned as little as Sh50 or Sh60 per kilogramme when his administration took office, a situation that had discouraged production and reduced output.
“When we came to office, one kilogramme of coffee would earn a farmer Sh50, Sh60 or thereabout,” Ruto said. “But today, let us speak the truth, one kilo earns the farmer much more. It has increased to Sh120, to Sh130, Sh150 and now Sh158.”
He added that the government was not satisfied with current earnings and was implementing measures to further raise farmer incomes.
Ruto explained that the strategy includes distributing improved coffee seedlings, modernising factories, expanding market access and ensuring farmers receive a larger share of value along the supply chain.
“Every seedling that will be planted, every factory that will be modernised, every change and every new market that we will open must add to the income of farmers,” he said.
The President emphasised that farmers should benefit most from coffee production due to their role in cultivating, maintaining and harvesting the crop.
“The reason is because it is the farmer who tills the land, plants the seedlings, cares for the trees and harvests and carries the heaviest weight. He should be the one who benefits the most and not brokers,” he said.
Ruto also highlighted reforms in the payment system, noting that delays and lack of transparency had previously reduced farmer confidence in the sector.
“Farmers used to wait for months before being paid. We have agreed now that farmers should get their money within five days. That is a must; we are not begging anyone,” he said.
The President added that the government aims to increase national coffee production from about 50,000 tonnes to 150,000 tonnes annually by 2028 through improved varieties, technology adoption and expanded acreage.
“We want one tree to produce five kilos and not two as it is now,” he said.
He further noted that coffee farming has expanded to 34 counties, with plans to bring an additional 100,000 acres under cultivation while reducing input costs such as fertiliser and pesticides to improve profitability.
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