BY ANGELA R. KIURA
The government has announced plans to clear all outstanding debts owed to public coffee farmers’ cooperative societies nationwide in a major effort to revive the struggling coffee sector.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, assured farmers that the government is committed to settling the debts after a thorough verification process.
Speaking on during a meeting with farmers at Kavutiri in Runyenjes Constituency, Embu County, Kindiki noted that among the debts is the Kavutiri Coffee Cooperative Society’s burden, totaling Sh176 million.
Prof. Kindiki urged farmers to remain patient as the government conducts a comprehensive audit to establish genuine claims, warning that only verified debts will be honored.
In a bid to address financial mismanagement, the Deputy President announced sweeping reforms in cooperative leadership elections.
He emphasized that credible and transparent elections will be enforced to curb the recurrence of bad debts and mismanagement.
The announcement follows appeals from Embu leaders, including Governor Cecily Mbarire, who called for the writing off of Kavutiri Cooperative’s debt, citing severe financial strain on farmers.
Additionally, Prof. Kindiki pledged government support in ensuring the timely delivery of fertilizer to boost coffee production and promised the allocation of special funds for the purchase of pesticides to fight crop pests and diseases.
Governor Mbarire also appealed to the national government to equip coffee factories with color sorter machines to help standardize coffee quality and enhance competitiveness in local and international markets.
The latest initiatives form part of the government’s broader strategy to reposition coffee farming as a viable economic activity.
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