Elgeyo Marakwet distributes 30,000 coffee seedlings to Sambirir Farmers Co-op

Elgeyo Marakwet County has rolled out the distribution of over 30,000 Ruiru 11 coffee seedlings to members of the Sambirir farmers’ Cooperative Society.

The initiative aims to enhance coffee production, diversify agriculture, and improve household incomes in the larger Sambirir Ward.

Speaking at the Embo-Kachebii coffee nursery, County Agriculture CEC Edwin Kibor said the seedlings are being sold at a subsidized rate of Sh20 each to ensure affordability and farmer commitment.

“We’ve shifted from free distribution to a nominal sale model to filter for serious farmers. Land preparation is verified by cooperative officials and extension officers before purchase,” he explained.

The Ruiru 11 variety, known for disease resistance and high yield, was selected for its suitability to Sambirir’s mid-altitude climate. The nursery has been stocked with seed from the Kenya Coffee Research Institute and can support up to 30 acres in the current phase.

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Kibor noted that local seedlings outperform externally sourced ones due to better environmental compatibility and timely transplanting. “We’re ensuring varietal purity and site-specific adaptation,” kibor said.

Sambirir member of County assembly (MCA) Paul Suter said the county aims to scale up the distribution to 100 kilograms of seed annually, targeting full coffee coverage in five years. He urged youth to embrace coffee farming as a profitable business, citing its strong market demand and profitability.

Farm Manager Nahashon Biwott emphasized accountability, stating that seedlings are allocated only to registered members. Unsold seedlings will be planted on the cooperative’s demo farm for training in agronomic best practices.

The county also plans benchmarking tours for farmers to learn post-harvest handling and value addition from established coffee regions.

The programme is expected to expand coffee farming and as well strengthen Sambirir’s role in the national coffee value chain.

By Masaki Enock

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