The Nandi County Government has issued a 30-day ultimatum to all co-operative societies to comply with statutory regulations, in a move aimed at curbing rising cases of illegal coffee trade in the region.
In a circular dated November 25, 2025 and signed by the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Dr Kiplimo Lagat, all agricultural, SACCOs, investment, transport, youth, women, housing, and multipurpose co-operatives were directed to update their governance structures, file audited accounts, submit statutory returns, and regularise their operations within one month.
The notice warned that any society failing to meet the requirements would face sanctions, including suspension or deregistration.
Alongside the compliance directive, Dr Lagat cautioned coffee farmers and traders about the increasing incidents of illegal hawking of coffee cherry. He urged farmers to sell their produce exclusively through registered co-operative societies as required by law, noting that the county had already suspended all coffee sales to individuals.
“We are encouraging our farmers to use their co-operatives where they are protected, where records are kept, and where they are assured of fair payment,” Lagat said.
“Anyone seen hawking cherries or buying them illegally must be reported immediately so that action can be taken,” he added.
His warning follows a recent theft at Oasis Koiyet Coffee Cooperative in Chepterwai, Mosop Sub-county, where unknown individuals stole coffee parchment, heightening concerns over a growing black market driven by unauthorised buyers and middlemen.
Lagat said the illegal trade undermines official marketing channels and exposes farmers to financial losses. He added that the county is working with security agencies to increase surveillance around cooperative stores and coffee factories.
The 30-day compliance directive and the crackdown on illegal coffee trading form part of the county’s broader strategy to strengthen the cooperative sector and safeguard farmers’ earnings.
