Kenya’s Kirinyaga coffee farmers earn record US$57.2M as payouts hit US$1.21 per kg

KENYA – Kenya’s Kirinyaga County coffee farmers have recorded a significant increase in earnings, with total payouts reaching Kes7.4 billion (US$57.20m) for the 2025/2026 season, marking one of the highest returns ever reported in the region.  

The improved performance reflects higher production volumes, better quality output, and strengthened cooperative systems across the county. 

Payments to farmers ranged between Kes104 (US$0.80) and Kes157.40 (US$1.22) per kilogram of cherry, with the average settling at Kes139 (US$1.07) per kilogram.  

Among the top-performing cooperatives, Thirikwa Farmers’ Cooperative Society led with an average payout of Kes157.15 (US$1.21) per kilogram, followed by Rung’eto Farmers’ Cooperative Society at Kes155.62 (US$1.20) and Rwama Farmers’ Cooperative Society at Kes152.03 (US$1.18). 

Out of the total Kes7.4 billion generated from coffee sales, farmers received KSh6.99 billion, while the remaining portion was allocated to factory operating expenses. Production volumes also showed an upward trend, rising from 45,717 metric tons in the 2024/2025 season to 49,100 metric tons in the current 2025/2026 season. 

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru attributed the strong performance to ongoing sector reforms and consistent support for farmers. “Kirinyaga has done it again. Our farmers are once more leading the country with the highest coffee payouts, a clear reflection of quality, strong cooperatives and deliberate support from the county government,” she said. 

Baragwi Coffee Cooperative Society Chairman Francis Muriithi noted that the improved payouts represented steady progress compared to the previous season. “This is a clear improvement compared to last year. Our average has increased by about Kes5 per kilogram, which is a significant gain for farmers,” he stated. 

Muriithi linked the growth to improved quality produce and better access to farm inputs, training, and licensing. He added that the society processed approximately 13 million kilograms of cherry, translating to nearly Kes1.8 billion in payouts to farmers. 

Despite the gains, stakeholders continue to push for further support from the national government. Waiguru has previously urged authorities to fast-track the waiver of Kes1.06 billion (US$8.19m) in debts owed by 14 coffee cooperatives in the county, citing the financial burden on farmers. 

Meanwhile, Kenya’s coffee sector generated Kes24.7 billion (US$190.93M) in earnings during the first six months of the 2025/2026 coffee year, driven by strong auction activity at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange. 

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