The government has expressed confidence that two coffee reform bills before the National Assembly will restore accountability, strengthen governance and revive Kenya’s coffee sector.
Speaking in Embu during the commissioning of Coffee Revitalization Committees for Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Kirinyaga counties, Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya said the proposed laws will seal governance loopholes that have denied farmers fair returns.
Oparanya said the Cooperatives Bill will introduce stronger accountability measures, transparent leadership and clearly define the roles of national and county governments in managing cooperative societies. He added that the Sacco Societies (Amendment) Bill will improve financial management and expand access to financing.
The Cabinet Secretary also said the government is reviewing the Minimum Guaranteed Return, with plans to increase the cherry advance payment from Sh40 to Sh60 per kilogramme to improve farmers’ cash flow.
Coffee Revitalization Committee Chairman Njeru Ndwiga blamed weak cooperative leadership and poor governance for the sector’s decline, calling for reforms to restore integrity and transparency.
Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma warned against rising coffee theft, saying security agencies have intensified operations to protect farmers’ produce and earnings.