NAIROBI, Kenya- In a significant boost to Kenya’s coffee sector, over 4,900 farmers have received Sh61.9 million from the Coffee Cherry Advance Fund.
This latest disbursement, handled by the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (NKPCU), marks another milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the coffee industry.
Machakos County has emerged as the frontrunner in this latest round of funding, with 2,718 farmers accessing loans totaling Sh26.2 million between August 5 and 12, 2024.
This county has consistently been a top beneficiary since the fund’s inception in 2021, having already received Sh569.4 million distributed among 45,426 farmers.
The funds, aimed at cushioning farmers from the high costs of commercial loans, have been a lifeline for many, enabling them to maintain and even improve their coffee production.
The Coffee Cherry Advance Fund is part of a broader government initiative to support the coffee sector, which has been facing challenges ranging from fluctuating global prices to costly inputs.
By offering farmers affordable loans, the fund helps reduce the financial strain that often accompanies coffee farming, ensuring that farmers can focus on what they do best—growing high-quality coffee.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been a vocal advocate for this initiative, particularly in Central Kenya, where coffee farming is a significant economic activity.
He has urged farmers to take full advantage of the subsidies and financial support available, arguing that such measures will help them avoid the pitfalls of heavy debt and ensure better earnings from their crops.
The latest figures from NKPCU indicate a positive trend in the uptake of the cherry fund. From July 22 to July 29, 2024, the union disbursed Ksh 38.2 million to 1,919 farmers across 14 counties.
According to NKPCU Chairman Daniel Kiprotich, this upward trajectory reflects growing confidence among farmers and cooperative societies in the government’s efforts to revitalize the coffee sector.
Kiprotich highlighted that the subsidies provided by the government are already making a tangible difference.
“Currently, we are witnessing an increase in coffee production and quality due to subsidies given by the government, and where coffee was not grown before, farmers are embracing the crop,” he said.
This renewed interest in coffee farming, even in areas where it was previously neglected, underscores the impact of the government’s strategic interventions.
In counties like Murang’a, Nyeri, Meru, and Kiambu, farmers have also tapped into the fund, securing millions in loans to support their coffee farming activities.
Notably, in Kirinyaga County, farmers affiliated with the Ngiriambu Cooperative Society applied for Ksh 5.3 million, reflecting the widespread reach and appeal of the fund.
Since its establishment, the Coffee Cherry Advance Fund has disbursed a total of Ksh 5.1 billion to farmers across the country.
This financial support has not only helped stabilize the sector but has also encouraged farmers to enhance the quality and quantity of their coffee.
In Machakos, for instance, Ksh 14.3 million of the latest disbursement was directed to 1,411 farmers from the Muthunzuuni Cooperative Society, with payments made at a rate of Ksh 40 per kilo of coffee delivered for processing.
As the government continues to roll out strategies to bolster the coffee sector, the success of the Cherry Fund offers a glimpse of what’s possible when farmers are empowered with the right financial tools.
