In a major push to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Kenyan coffee, farmers from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi counties have been urged to adopt organic farming practices.
The call was made during a sensitization forum held on Friday at the Eldoret Sports Club, bringing together key stakeholders in the coffee sector from across the North Rift region.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development, was presided over by Cabinet Secretary Wickliffe Oparanya, who emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the country’s coffee industry through sustainable and internationally compliant agricultural methods.
“We are working to reposition Kenyan coffee in the global market. Organic farming is no longer an option but a necessity if we are to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, residue-free coffee,” said CS Oparanya.
According to the CS, global markets are increasingly favoring organic coffee due to health and environmental concerns. Transitioning to organic practices, he noted, would open up premium market opportunities and improve farmers’ incomes in the long run.
“This initiative aims to assist our farmers in producing coffee that meets international standards, allowing them to earn more and compete fairly in global markets,” he added.
The forum brought together over 500 coffee farmers, representatives from cooperative societies, county officials, agricultural extension officers, and key industry players.
Farmers were taken through interactive sessions on the benefits of organic farming, practical steps for transition, and the importance of sustainable land and resource management.
Also present at the event were officials from the Coffee Directorate, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), and local cooperative union leaders who reiterated their support for the shift towards organic coffee production.
Farmers in attendance welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that embracing organic methods would improve both the quality and profitability of their coffee.
“We’ve seen how international buyers are keen on traceability and organic certifications. With the right training and support, we believe we can meet these expectations,” said Esther Cherono, a coffee farmer from Nandi County.
CS Oparanya assured farmers that the government would continue offering technical support, training, and market linkage services to ensure a smooth transition to organic farming.
The North Rift region, traditionally known for maize and dairy farming, is gradually emerging as a potential coffee-producing belt. The push for organic farming is expected to boost coffee output from these counties and diversify income streams for smallholder farmers.
As part of the broader coffee sector reforms, the Ministry is also working to streamline the value chain, strengthen cooperative societies, and ensure transparency in coffee marketing and payments.
