President William Ruto has launched the Coffee Revival Through Cooperative Societies Programme, unveiling an ambitious plan to increase farmers’ earnings, strengthen cooperative societies, expand coffee farming and transform Kenya into a leading global coffee processing and branding hub.
The programme was launched in Kianyaga, Kirinyaga County, on 22 June 2026 as part of the government’s strategy to revive one of Kenya’s most valuable agricultural sectors. The initiative seeks to reverse years of declining coffee production by addressing governance challenges, improving farmer incomes and modernising the industry’s infrastructure.
Speaking during the launch, President Ruto said every reform under the programme is focused on ensuring farmers receive better returns for their hard work.
“The farmer prepares the land, plants the crop, nurtures it through the seasons and bears the greatest risk. The farmer does the hardest work and must therefore receive the greatest reward,” he said.
Although Kenyan coffee enjoys an international reputation for its premium quality and distinctive flavour, the sector has experienced a steady decline over the past three decades. Low returns, delayed payments, rising production costs and weak governance within some cooperative societies have pushed many farmers away from coffee farming.
Ageing coffee trees, outdated processing facilities, exploitation by middlemen and the effects of climate change have further weakened the industry. In traditional coffee-growing counties including Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Murang’a, Embu, Kiambu and Meru, many farmers have struggled to maintain production because of ageing bushes and limited access to affordable farm inputs.
Boosting production and farmer earnings
The government aims to increase national coffee production from 50,000 metric tonnes annually to 150,000 metric tonnes by 2028. The plan also targets expanding land under coffee cultivation from 110,000 hectares to 150,000 hectares while improving productivity across farms.
According to the President, the average coffee tree currently produces about 2kg. Through improved seedlings, better extension services and enhanced farming practices, the government expects yields to rise to at least 6kg per tree.
Millions of certified coffee seedlings will be distributed to farmers, while fertiliser subsidies will continue after prices were reduced from KSh7,500 to KSh2,500 per bag.
The government will also rehabilitate ageing coffee plantations in established growing regions while introducing coffee farming to suitable areas in Western Kenya, Rift Valley and Nyanza.
Cooperative societies will play a central role in the revival strategy. The government plans to strengthen governance, improve accountability and modernise coffee factories through investment in eco-pulpers, improved drying systems, better storage facilities and advanced traceability technology.
President Ruto said the reforms will allow cooperatives to market coffee more efficiently through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange and farmer-owned brokerages, enabling producers to access international buyers directly.
The programme also introduces measures to ensure farmers receive faster payments. The government has maintained the requirement that at least 80% of coffee sales proceeds go directly to farmers, while service providers share the remaining 20%.
Under the Direct Settlement System, farmers are expected to receive payment within five days after coffee sales. The government believes ongoing digitisation will improve transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption and exploitation.
The proposed Cooperatives Bill before Parliament is also expected to strengthen governance and accountability within cooperative societies.
Beyond increasing production, the government wants to expand domestic coffee consumption from the current 2% of annual production to 20% over the next five years. Public institutions, hotels, restaurants, universities and businesses have been encouraged to prioritise locally produced coffee.
The President said a stronger domestic market would help protect farmers from fluctuations in global coffee prices while creating additional opportunities throughout the value chain.
The government is also encouraging youth participation through entrepreneurship initiatives such as Coffee on Wheels. More than 1,000 young people have already been trained as coffee ambassadors, with Kenya Industrial Estates expected to support their businesses.
To increase earnings from the industry, the government is promoting local coffee processing, packaging and branding instead of exporting raw beans. President Ruto said Kenya has the potential to develop internationally recognised coffee brands capable of competing with leading global products.
He invited investors to partner with the country in expanding coffee processing and creating world-class Kenyan brands that retain more value within the local economy.
The Coffee Revival Through Cooperative Societies Programme represents a fresh attempt to restore confidence in Kenya’s coffee industry. For thousands of farmers, its success will depend on higher incomes, prompt payments and sustainable improvements that secure the future of coffee farming.
