Coffee Research Institute receives US$3.86M to propagate & distribute seedlings
The initiative aims to increase coffee production by distributing 20 million high-yielding seedlings annually to farmers across all coffee-growing regions.
KENYA – The Coffee Research Institute (CRI), a body which focuses on coffee research along the value chain, has received US$3.89 million (Ksh 500 million) from the Kenyan government to facilitate propagation and distribution of coffee seedlings to farmers.
Patrick Kilemi, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cooperatives, met with coffee farmers in Muranga and stated that the CRI and the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) will propagate seedlings of high-yielding coffee varieties.
He noted that the programme aims to increase production with 20 million coffee seedlings earmarked for distribution annually to farmers across all coffee-growing regions.
He acknowledged Kenya’s lagging output compared to neighbouring countries, stating that Kenya had produced 50,000 metric tons of coffee the previous year. In comparison, Uganda and Ethiopia had recorded 400,000 and 750,000 metric tons, respectively.
“We want our farmers to plant recommended seedlings as we target a tenfold increase in production,” he added.
Kilemi highlighted coffee’s global economic significance, noting that it is the second most traded commodity, with an estimated annual market value of US$600 billion.
He explained that Kenya earned Ksh33 billion (US$254.13 million) from coffee exports in 2023, but the government aims to increase that to Ksh1 trillion (US$7.7 billion) through enhanced production and improved quality.
To further boost output, the PS announced that the government had streamlined the distribution of subsidised fertiliser through New KPCU.
This agency will source supplies from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and deliver them directly to coffee factories. Additionally, the agency will distribute pesticides at a 40% subsidy to combat diseases and pests.
The PS also revealed plans to replace outdated pulping machines in coffee factories to reduce losses and enhance quality.
Furthermore, he noted that the government has allocated Kshs 6.8 billion ( US$52.4 million) in the next budget to settle outstanding coffee debts.
“After verifying the debts owed to cooperative societies, we established that the amount required is Ksh 6.8 billion (US$52.4 million). By August, these debts will be cleared, relieving farmers of financial burdens,” Kilemi said.
In attendance was the Murang’a Governor, Irungu Kang’ata, who said a county delegation will also tour the USA and China next month to explore new markets for Murang’a coffee.
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