The Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh Paul, today presided over the opening of the 4th National KALRO Open Research Week and the 20th Annual Ruiru Coffee Fair at the Coffee Research Institute in Kiambu County, outlining government plans to significantly boost coffee production and farmer earnings.
Dr. Ronoh said the Government is scaling up national coffee production from 50,000 to 150,000 metric tonnes within three years through reforms and strategic investments. He noted that Ksh. 500 million has been allocated to propagate 10 million high-yielding, disease-resistant seedlings annually. The plan also includes expanding research centres, strengthening cooperatives, and implementing market reforms to secure fairer returns for farmers.
During the event, the Principal Secretary engaged with 350 Ward Coffee Champions trainees, promoting climate-smart and precision farming. He confirmed that plans for Coffee Training Centers across the country had been validated to strengthen extension services, accelerate technology adoption, and support youth-led agricultural initiatives.
Dr. Ronoh also flagged off the distribution of coffee seedlings to farmers. He announced that coffee-specific fertilizers would be distributed through coffee cooperatives and revealed the formation of a team to review coffee prices to help farmers secure better earnings.
He emphasised that ongoing sector transformation, driven by research, mechanisation, training, and value addition, will increase yields, improve farmers’ incomes, and enhance Kenya’s global competitiveness in premium coffee markets. Flanked by KALRO Director General Dr. Patrick Ketiem and other stakeholders, he reiterated the Government’s commitment to revitalizing the coffee sector and promoting farmer prosperity.
