In Kirinyaga County, farmers say their long wait is finally paying off after a sustained rise in coffee prices.
Members of the Baragwi Farmers Cooperative Society, led by Mugo Gikombe and Sicily Wanjiru, described the new rates as a major milestone, noting that coffee prices have been increasing steadily each year.
Wanjiru said the Baragwi Cooperative Society, which operates 12 factories, recorded its highest payout at Nyanja Coffee Factory at KSh 157.40 per kilogram, while Rwambiti Coffee Factory posted the lowest payout at KSh 120 per kilogram.
“We are on the right track. Those who uprooted their coffee stems cannot believe it,” said farmer Njoroge.
At the Karithathi Farmers Cooperative Society, Kiunyu Factory posted a payout of KSh 150.50 per kilogram. Meanwhile, Rung’eto Farmers Cooperative Society’s Kiangoi Factory recorded KSh 156.30 per kilogram.
“Our thanks go to the management. That’s why we are telling politicians to avoid announcing coffee rates—that is the work of management. Our elected leaders should focus on their payslips. Last week they frustrated us by posting fake rates,” said farmer Njogu.
Kirinyaga County Coffee Mill Chairman Geoffrey Munyagia, who also chairs Mwirua Farmers Cooperative Society, said Gathambi Coffee Factory recorded the highest payout in the society at KSh 141.15 per kilogram.
He added that coffee production in the region is expected to rise, noting that the mill has a capacity of 60 tonnes per hour. It processes coffee from both smallholder farmers and estates and has warehouses for storage before and after processing.
Wanjiru, a coffee farmer from Kianyaga, also issued a lighthearted warning to elderly farmers.
“We are expecting beautiful women to flock to Gichugu towns because of the high coffee payments. Older men must be very careful,” she said.
