Coffee farmers in Kirinyaga County are celebrating a major financial boost after receiving significantly higher payout rates for the 2024/2025 coffee season.
Out of the 75 operational wet mills in the county, 27 have already declared payouts ranging from Ksh100 to Ksh145 per kilogram of cherry.
Gacami Coffee Factory is leading the pack at Ksh145.10 per kilogram followed by Karumandi and Mukure factories, which offered Ksh144.30 and Ksh144.25 respectively.
Many farmers are crediting the success to robust government support, which has included subsidized inputs, technical training, and enhanced market access.
They also point to recent reforms in the coffee industry, particularly those that now allow direct sales to buyers through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, as key contributors to the higher earnings.
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“I am extremely grateful this time because our cooperative, under Baragwi, has achieved an impressive payout of Ksh145.10 per kilogram, one of the highest. We are hopeful this trend will continue,” said Josphat Gachoki, a Gacami Coffee Factory member.
Governor Anne Waiguru applauded the outcomes, noting that her administration's coffee revitalization agenda is starting to deliver meaningful benefits to local farmers.
“Our coffee farmers are beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labour, with impressive cherry payouts this season.
"Our county-level interventions, from extension services to cooperative strengthening, together with national government support on coffee reforms and subsidized farm inputs, are delivering real impact. When we work together, the farmer wins,” Waiguru stated.
Additionally, the County Government has been coordinating the distribution of subsidized fertilizer to 28 strategically selected coffee factories.
With an annual production average of 40,000 tons, Kirinyaga’s coffee sector generates approximately Ksh2.8 billion for its farmers.
