The government has renewed its push to revive Kenya’s coffee sector following a high‑level National Steering Committee Retreat held at the SEO Hotel in Machakos. The meeting brought together members of the Coffee Revival Steering Committee and key industry stakeholders for intensive, solution‑driven discussions.
The retreat was opened by Patrick Kilemi, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Cooperatives, who challenged the committee to embrace bold reforms, stronger collaboration and strict accountability across the entire coffee value chain. Members reviewed the committee’s Terms of Reference, mapped out sector stakeholders, established sub‑committees and drafted a coordinated roadmap and indicative budget to guide the revival agenda.
The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, who officially closed the meeting, underscored the government’s commitment to restoring confidence, productivity and profitability in the coffee industry.
Oparanya said the retreat marked a turning point in the sector’s reform journey.
“Coffee remains one of Kenya’s most strategic economic assets,” Oparanya said. “It drives foreign exchange earnings, supports rural livelihoods and has the potential to lift household incomes in all coffee‑growing regions.”
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The CS noted that the committee had agreed that the implementation of these reforms would determine the success of the sector reforms. He emphasized that the availability of quality seedlings and proper agronomic practices must be prioritized to rebuild farmer confidence and raise production levels.
Oparanya also highlighted the need for stronger coordination between the national government and the 34 coffee‑growing counties, saying clear institutional roles and shared information systems would ensure efficient, farmer‑focused service delivery. “We must align our structures and speak to each other,” he said. “That is the only way to guarantee consistency and impact.”
Oparanya reaffirmed the central role of cooperative societies in delivering services to farmers at the grassroots. Strengthening governance, leadership and management capacity within cooperatives, he said, is essential for improving access to inputs, technical support, aggregation, financing and markets while restoring trust in the sector.
Oparanya stated that the adoption of the National and County Steering Committee Terms of Reference, together with the establishment of clear baselines, would anchor accountability and evidence‑based decision‑making going forward.
“The government remains fully committed to this revitalisation agenda,” Oparanya said. “Our focus is increased production, better market access, improved farmer earnings and a sustainable coffee industry that benefits women, youth and future generations.”
By Masaki Enock
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