Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi has called for stronger cooperatives and partnerships to boost Kenya’s coffee sector, emphasizing the need for inclusive growth, value addition, and sustainable investment.
Kilemi made the call while joining key stakeholders at the Governors and Diplomatic Missions Coffee Trade Roundtable during the East African Coffee Market and Conference (EACMC) 2025.
The high-level meeting brought together coffee producers, roasters, exporters, buyers, and industry leaders from across the world to explore strategies for enhancing direct coffee trade and promoting sustainable sector development.
Participants discussed ways of strengthening Kenya’s coffee value chain through improved post-harvest practices, value addition, and the implementation of ongoing reforms under the Coffee Bill.
A key highlight was the establishment of the Coffee Regulatory Authority, which is expected to enhance transparency, guarantee fair returns for farmers, and support long-term sustainability in the sector.
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PS Kilemi underscored the pivotal role of cooperatives in expanding coffee production across counties stressing that strong institutional structures and the full implementation of the Coffee Bill are vital to empowering farmers with access to credit, training, processing, and marketing opportunities.
“Cooperatives remain the backbone of Kenya’s coffee industry by strengthening them; we can sustain our global reputation for high-quality coffee while driving inclusive growth and rural development.” Kilemi said.
The roundtable concluded with a call for continued collaboration among national and county governments, private sector players, and development partners to ensure Kenya’s coffee industry remains competitive and sustainable in global markets.
The three day event brought together key players across the coffee value chain from East Africa and beyond to explore opportunities for sustainable growth, value addition, and market access.
Organised by Smart Farmer Africa Ltd, the conference run under the theme “Sustainable Growth and Market Access: Empowering East African Coffee Producers in a Global Market.” Aims to link farmers, cooperatives, exporters, roasters, and international buyers to strengthen the region’s position in the global coffee industry.
By Obegi Malack
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