BY ANGELA R. KIURA
Coffee farmers in Embu County have received a major boost after the government disbursed Sh24.3 million through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) to enhance coffee value chains and improve productivity across the region.
Out of the total amount, Sh17.9 million has been allocated to the Embu County Coffee Mill for the construction of new parchment storage facilities aimed at addressing chronic storage shortages for coffee cherries.
The project is expected to enhance post-harvest efficiency, reduce losses, and ensure farmers earn higher returns for their produce.
According to Embu County Coffee Mill Chairperson Wilfezio Njeru Njiru, the new store will accommodate an additional 40,000 bags of coffee, easing congestion during peak harvesting seasons.
“This project will greatly ease the storage burden and ensure that farmers’ produce is well-preserved. It will also enhance our capacity to process more coffee, ultimately improving farmer incomes,” said Njiru.
In addition, Sh4.05 million has been directed to 81 farmer-led demonstration sites across the county to promote climate-smart agriculture and value chain–specific good practices.
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Each group will receive Sh50,000 to implement sustainable farming technologies aimed at boosting productivity at the grassroots.
Presiding over the cheque issuance, Embu Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening agricultural value chains for sustainable growth.
“Our focus as a county is to ensure that agriculture, which is the backbone of our economy, is fully supported. By improving value chains such as coffee, we are empowering thousands of farmers to achieve better returns,” said Mugo.
Beneficiaries include 24 coffee cooperative societies, 20 ward-based SACCOs, and 20 Community Driven Development Committees (CDDCs), all key players in ensuring resources reach farmers efficiently.
The county government said the investment is part of a wider plan to modernize the coffee sector, improve quality, and restore Embu’s position as one of Kenya’s leading coffee producers.
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