Government steps up coffee revival drive as Kenya targets tripling output and boosting farmer earnings

Kenya has intensified efforts to reclaim its position as a global coffee powerhouse following the launch of the Coffee Revitalization Programme presided over by H.E President Dr. William Samoei Ruto at Kianyaga Stadium.

The government says the initiative is aimed at transforming the sector through sweeping reforms designed to raise production, improve farmer earnings and expand value addition within the country.

According to President William Ruto, the reforms are focused on ensuring farmers earn more from their crop while strengthening efficiency across the value chain.

“We are reforming the coffee sector to put more money in the pockets of our farmers. Through reforms that have strengthened cooperatives, improved market access and protected farmers’ earnings, coffee prices have risen from between KSh30 and KSh70 to KSh120 to KSh160 a kilo over the past two years,” Ruto said in a statement shared on his X account. He added that at least 80 per cent of every coffee sale will now go directly to farmers, with payments to be made within five days of sale.

The President further noted that the government is supporting farmers with subsidised fertiliser, improved seedlings, extension services and modern farming practices to boost productivity and expand acreage. He also emphasized a shift toward local processing and branding to retain more value within the country.

“We are also ensuring that at least 80 per cent of every coffee sale goes directly to the farmer while payments will be made within five days of a sale,” he said.

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said the programme targets a major expansion in both output and acreage. The reforms aim to increase national coffee production from 50,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes by the 2027/2028 season, while expanding coffee acreage from 117,164.40 hectares to 152,000 hectares over the next two years.

Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the reforms are already showing positive results.

“The reforms are already yielding results, with coffee production projected to rise by 26.2% in the 2025/2026 season,” Kagwe said, attributing the gains to subsidised fertiliser, prompt payments to farmers, expanded coffee-growing areas and improved market systems.

The government also reported that 2,983,773 coffee seedlings have been distributed over the last two years, supporting farm expansion and the replacement of aging coffee bushes. Average farmer earnings have also improved, rising from about KSh 78.99 per kilogram to KSh 120 per kilogram.

Coffee remains one of Kenya’s key cash crops, supporting more than 800,000 smallholder farmers and generating vital foreign exchange earnings. The revitalization programme is expected to strengthen cooperatives, improve climate resilience and boost productivity across the value chain.

The launch was attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Governors Anne Waiguru and Bii, alongside FAO Kenya Country Director Farayi Zimudzi and other senior officials, signalling a broad push to transform Kenya’s coffee sector.