Kirinyaga coffee farmers win first round in DSS legal battle

The battle between Kirinyaga county coffee farmers and the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) is now in the corridors of justice, as the high court extended conservatory orders barring the implementation of the Direct Settlement System (DSS) and new reforms in the coffee sector until July 28, 2025.

The Cooperative Bank that operates the DSS also applied to be enjoined in the civil suit lodged by the Brokerage Firm and the Cooperative Societies.

They opposed the implementation of the reforms that seek to have them paid directly, a move that has met strong opposition.

Justice Edward Muriithi in Kerugoya High Court, extended the conservatory order until July 28,2025.

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During the court session, coffee growers from Kirinyaga and neighboring counties camped outside the courtroom, breaking in song and dance after the ruling.

In the streets they sang songs ridiculing the government calling for a halt of the implementation of direct payment.

They later presented their grievances to the Deputy County Commissioner for Kirinyaga Central Sub-County Josephine Mwengi.

In the grievances, they pleaded with the government to abandon the implementation of the direct payment, arguing the move would weaken the cooperative sector.

By our Correspondent

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