DP confirms completion of Meru Industrial Park, affirms gov’t efforts to rejuvenate coffee industry

The Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that the construction of the Meru Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) will be completed by the end of this year.

DP Kindiki said the government is keen on completing and operationalizing the Meru Aggregation and Industrial Park by December.

The national and county governments are building 47 CAIPs across the country targeting to enhance value addition and improve earnings for farmers.

Speaking when he inspected the aggregation centre at Mugae in Ruiri/Rwarera, DP Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to doing away with brokers, ensuring that farmers benefit directly from their produce.

He said Meru is among 13 counties whose aggregation centers are in advanced stage of completion.

“We are working with county governments to engage relevant cooperatives to decide which agricultural products will be processed at the industrial park. We must eliminate middlemen who have exploited our farmers for too long. This park will empower the producers and ensure they get the full value of their work,” Kindiki said.

He said the government is also looking for local and international markets for the products which will be processed at the industrial parks.

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Kindiki reiterated that his primary role is to support the President’s agenda, particularly the realization of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which includes the establishment of industrial parks in all 47 counties.

“The Meru Industrial Park will not only create employment opportunities for our people, but also enhance value addition to our produce. This means more money in the pockets of farmers and a more robust local economy,” DP Kindiki added.

The DP also noted that the last batch of around Ksh 76 million will be released in two weeks for completion of the project.

Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia echoed Kindiki’s sentiments and called for affirmative action to boost development at the ward level.

He emphasized the need to ensure that each ward benefits from such national projects through equitable planning and investment.

“As a county, we are committed to aligning with the national vision. This industrial park is just the beginning. We will ensure that every ward feels the impact of progress,” Governor M’Ethingia said.

Prof Kindiki challenged Meru leaders to unite and work towards fast tracking development in the county.

Meanwhile, in a significant move to rejuvenate Kenya’s coffee industry, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced comprehensive reforms aimed at increasing farmers’ earnings and eliminating long-standing crisis in the sector.

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Addressing over 12,000 coffee farmers at Kianjanga Public Grounds in Ndia Constituency, Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring the profitability of coffee farming.

“We are determined to ensure that coffee farmers earn more and that coffee brings in more foreign exchange as it used to,” Kindiki stated.

He highlighted that the government’s interventions have already led to farmers earning between Sh110 and Sh150 per kilogram of cherry, nearly double the amount received in 2022.

The Deputy President outlined several initiatives under the forthcoming Coffee Act, 2025, and Cooperatives Act, 2025, which are expected to be enacted soon. He noted the new laws will simplify the licensing process, requiring only one license per individual, whether as a miller, broker, or marketer, thereby reducing bureaucratic hurdles and eliminating role duplication.

“The government has also reduced the price of fertilizer from Ksh7, 000 to Ksh2, 500 and plans to lower pesticide costs, ensuring timely availability of these inputs. Efforts are underway to provide certified, subsidized coffee seedlings through enhanced support to the Coffee Research Institute, aiming to increase productivity per bush from 2kg to 10kg by 2027,” said Kindiki .

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He said the government will waive verified debts owed by public coffee mills and cooperative societies, alleviating financial burdens on farmers.

Kindiki further said the government is focused on eradicating cartels and middlemen who have been exploiting farmers.

“We have dealt with cartels and issued one license per every actor in the value chain to avoid duplication of roles,” Kindiki affirmed.

To support these reforms, he noted the government is planning to modernize coffee processing infrastructure and improve transportation networks, including fast-tracking the Mau Mau Road and the Makutano–Meru dual carriageway.

By John Majau.

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