D.P Gachagua: Kenyan Farmers Do Not Profit from Coffee Production

Despite producing high-quality coffee, Kenyan farmers, according to deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, do not reap the rewards of the global market.

Gachagua stated in a statement on Friday, September 15, 2023, that roasters all over the world use Kenyan coffee to raise the caliber of coffee from other regions of the world.

“Indeed, Kenyan coffee is renowned across the globe for its distinct flavor owed to our varieties. This was evident even from the exhibition at the PRF, which included a coffee cupping moment. The high quality of our coffee has been used by roasters across the globe to upgrade other coffees to make them more attractive in taste and aroma,” Gachagua stated.

“In spite of this sterling performance internationally, it has been tragic that the specialty in coffee produced in Kenya is not benefiting the farmer.”

“With the ongoing reforms in the Subsector, we are now placing the farmer at the table of negotiating the price of their coffee with consumers. As part of our commitment to value addition and dealing in specialty coffee, connecting the farmer to the consumer for the value of their money while the farmer receives commensurate pay. We will stop at nothing until the farmer is the boss,” he added.

Kenya currently produces mild arabica coffees that are more expensive and only contributes 1% of world exports.

Kenya’s marketing year (MY) 2023/24 production is anticipated to rise 6.7% to 800,000 bags thanks to a recovery from drought conditions and more fertilizer application, according to a report by the United States Department of Agriculture dated May 2023.

According to the research, harvesting is anticipated to be constant at 105,000 hectares as new plants are limited due to a lack of planting supplies and as losses from plantations being converted to real estate are reduced.