The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reiterated the Kenya Kwanza government commitment to revive the coffee sub-sector in the country.
Speaking in Meru County during the opening ceremony of a three day coffee reforms conference, the DP noted that it is unacceptable for farmers to live in poverty when the prices of coffee at the international market are good.
“I have unequivocal instructions from President William Ruto to deliver on these reforms. I will not allow anyone to come in my way. I will work with everyone to ensure this initiative succeeds” said Gachagua.
He expressed the need to reform the Sub-sector, saying that the reforms must bear fruit now.
“We must rewrite the history of Kenyan coffee, which dates back to 1894. This brand was and still is known across the world by its superior and distinct aroma and flavour. President Ruto and I have zero vested interests beyond saving the farmer; indeed, coffee is a legacy crop for the Kenya Kwanza Administration” he added.
The deputy president also made a call to legislators to support the government in proposing the laws and policies to address systemic issues in the coffee subsector.
Gachagua observed that the KK government is ready to implement the laws and other policies through the ministries saying that there is no room for brokers. “
Time is over for the cartels in the Coffee sector. The farmer must get 90 to 95 percent of returns from the crop.We will institute radical reforms to achieve this”, said the DP.
He promised that the coffee sector will be streamlined so that roles in the production chain are clear and all exploitative tactics targeting farmers will be dealt with.
Cabinet secretary for investments, trade and Industry Moses Kuria on his part noted the need to revamp the sub-sector.
“We must take Coffee to the powerful level it was. Before, a membership card of a coffee cooperative society was more credible than a banker’s cheque because Coffee had good returns” said Kuria.
Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi in his sentiments said that the conference will ensure that views of the farmers will put the government to task to ensure positive reforms.
“Our farmers will get back to where they were in the early 90s. I would want to know where the rains started beating us……I am happy to be here to listen to coffee farmers, leaders of various cooperatives to give us ideas on how we can do better” said Linturi.
