Kirinyaga coffee farmers see record payouts, boosting confidence and production
Kirinyaga coffee farmers are earning between Ksh 130 and Ksh 150 per kilogramme, a significant increase from previous years.
In Brief
- •Kirinyaga coffee farmers are earning between Ksh 130 and Ksh 150 per kilogramme, a significant increase from previous years.
- •Coffee production in Kirinyaga has risen from 10 million kilogrammes in 2023/24 to 11 million kilogrammes in 2024/25, with projections of 16 million kilogrammes in the current season.
- •Baragwi Farmers’ Cooperative Society paid farmers Ksh 157 per kilogramme in the 2025/26 season, up from Ksh 99 in 2023/24.
- •The improved earnings have led to 68 farmers becoming millionaires from coffee proceeds in the previous season.
- •The government is targeting an increase in national coffee production from 50,000 to 150,000 metric tonnes within three years.
Why It Matters
The improved earnings from coffee farming in Kirinyaga are not only boosting the income of individual farmers but also restoring confidence in the sector. This turnaround is crucial for the national coffee industry, which is targeting significant production increases. The success of Kirinyaga's farmers demonstrates the potential of coffee as a commercial enterprise and highlights the importance of improved production, market access, and farmer support.
Key Details
- Average farmer earnings
- Ksh 130 to Ksh 150 per kilogramme
- Coffee production in 2023/24
- 10 million kilogrammes
- Projected coffee production in 2024/25
- 16 million kilogrammes
- Highest payout rate in 2025/26
- Ksh 157 per kilogramme
- Number of millionaire farmers
- 68
- Government target for national coffee production
- 150,000 metric tonnes within three years
Context & Background
The Kirinyaga coffee industry has seen fluctuations in earnings and production in the past, with periods of low prices prompting farmers to abandon or reduce investment in their farms. The current turnaround is supported by closer collaboration between farmers, agronomists, factory staff, and cooperative leaders, as well as greater attention to coffee quality and farm management.
Original Reporting & Sources
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