Meru coffee farmers, most of whom are elderly, have been urged to subdivide their land and actively involve young people in coffee farming to secure the sector’s future.
Industry stakeholders called on farmers to move away from hoarding coffee bushes and instead support youth participation, noting that increased engagement would boost both production and income in the county.
Charles Mutwiri Mkarimu, a member of the Coffee Revitalisation Committee, highlighted the sector’s decline, saying Meru used to produce up to 150,000 metric tonnes of coffee in the 1980s and 1990s, but current output has fallen to around 40,000 metric tonnes.
“I am confident that with interventions from the Kenya Kwanza administration led by President William Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki, production in the next three years can surpass 200,000 metric tonnes,” Mkarimu said.
He encouraged youths to join local cooperatives, where they can access free training and seedlings.
He added that planting 100 seedlings on one acre could generate up to Sh 200,000 per month.
Government support and measures to combat coffee cartels are expected to further increase earnings.
Muge Muriki, Deputy Director of the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (New KPCU), said the coffee revival programme will distribute more than 1.5 million seedlings to farmers across Meru.
Hundreds of young people from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties are receiving training at the Coffee Research Institute on cultivation, farm mapping, and income improvement strategies.
Muriki noted that 95 percent of farmers in Meru are now registered with the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) to prevent data duplication and ensure compliance.
He stressed that Kenyan coffee continues to enjoy strong global demand, making youth participation vital to meeting new market opportunities.
The government is also providing subsidized fertilizers and inputs to reduce production costs and enhance post-harvest handling.
“This initiative will revitalize abandoned farms, improve traditional farming practices, and ensure farmers get maximum value for their produce,” Muriki said.
Kananu Mugambi, chairlady of the Miriga Mieru Farmers’ Factory, urged farmers to allocate land to the youth.
“We are grateful to New KPCU for supporting coffee farming. Embracing youth participation will secure our families’ future,” she said.
Ondilia Ndeti, Deputy County Commissioner, said authorities are working with coffee factories to curb theft, reduce losses, and raise awareness about the revitalisation programme.
She highlighted that under the Bottom Up Economic Agenda (BETA), the government is committed to upgrading coffee bushes to meet both domestic and international demand.
Jasper Muthoni, Agricultural Officer for Meru County, said the programme, implemented under Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia’s administration through CECM Agriculture Janaro Gatangugi, trains farmers in planting the high-yield Ruiri 11 coffee seedlings.
“One acre can accommodate 1,000 seedlings, generating enough income to support livelihoods,” he said.
Edited by John Majau
