Kenya’s coffee revolution: New rules set to change how farmers sell their ‘gold’

Kenya is implementing major reforms in its coffee sector aimed at reshaping how farmers sell their produce, access financing, and receive payments as the government seeks to restore coffee as the country's premier cash crop. The Coffee Board of Kenya, under the new Coffee Act 2026, is working with farmers, cooperatives, and other stakeholders to implement these changes.

Board Chairman Henry Kinyua emphasized the importance of clear communication and the government's commitment to maintaining Kenya's coffee industry's reputation.

The new law provides farmers with four avenues for selling coffee: the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, direct sales, an international exchange, and other methods approved by the Cabinet Secretary. The reforms also aim to improve the speed and efficiency of payments, with payments through the Direct Settlement System reaching farmers within five days. The Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund, established by the New Kenya Planters’ Cooperative Union (New KPCU), will provide financial support to farmers.

Outstanding debts in the coffee sector are being addressed by the Ministry of Cooperatives. In Kirinyaga County, coffee production has increased from 32.3 million kilogrammes in 2017 to 49.1 million kilogrammes in the latest year. County Executive Committee Member for Cooperatives Calvert Njeru attributed this growth to the county's continued support for the Kirinyaga Cooperative Union and primary coffee cooperatives.

However, farmers face challenges such as high costs of farm inputs and the need for new planting materials. Kirinyaga farmers have traditionally relied on the auction system but are increasingly seeking direct access to consumers.