Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo officially launched the county’s coffee sector revival programme on Friday, which marked renewed drive to restore the region’s once-thriving coffee industry.

The initiative is intended to inject dynamism in the county economy through farmer empowerment, strengthening of cooperatives and increased household incomes through sustainable coffee farming.

The launch at Wamondo Coffee Cooperative Grounds was attended by high-ranking county leadership and stakeholders who included Central Maragoli MCA Pauline Amwata, Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo, alongside representatives of Wamondo, Bunyore and Lunyerere cooperative societies.

The programme is expected to benefit thousands of farmers in the county. Dr Ottichilo announced that over 12,000 coffee seedlings of Ruiru 11 and Batian varieties would be distributed to farmers as part of the first phase of the initiative and another 20,000 seedlings in the second phase.

He said that reviving coffee farming is central to improving the livelihoods and boosting the county’s economy. Vihiga’s economy depended heavily on coffee in the past, and with proper management and renewed focus, we can restore it to its former glory,” Ottichilo said.

The governor further noted that coffee prices have improved globally, which has made it a viable cash crop once again. He urged farmers to take advantage of the opportunity and return to coffee farming.

“Coffee demand in the market has grown and farmers now have better avenues to sell their produce through liberalised marketing systems,” he explained.

The governor also appealed to farmers to embrace modern farming techniques and irrigation to reduce reliance on rainfall.

“We are committed to supporting farmers through seedlings, training and infrastructure but the success of this programme depends on your willingness to take coffee farming seriously,” he said.

Chair of Gisambai Farmers Sacco Pamella Anita hailed the initiative saying the ward-based cooperative model was already yielding positive results.

“Farmers are now profiting from ward-based cooperatives, and this initiative by the governor is transforming lives at the grassroots,” she said.

She encouraged more farmers to register with cooperatives to benefit from government support and collective marketing.  The Central Maragoli MCA underlined the importance of strengthening local processing through cooperative societies.

“We want to bring coffee factories closer to our farmers so that they can reduce post-harvest losses and maximise their earnings,” she said.

Amwata also highlighted the need for financial support for cooperatives to ensure sustainability and farmer confidence. She noted that farmers who grow coffee in the country should be remunerated equally regardless of their regions.

Vihiga Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo echoed the county government’s commitment to agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.

“The county has prioritized farming initiatives because our economy is largely driven by agriculture,” he stated.

Kitiezo also acknowledged the role of partners such as the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union in supporting coffee farmers. He said they must work with farmers to ensure they get better returns from their produce.

The programme will also focus on improving infrastructure in cooperative societies, including the acquisition of modern pulping machines, renovation of facilities and expansion of electricity access.

Farmers will also receive training on best agricultural practices to enhance productivity and quality. The county is investing in value addition through establishment of Ksh500 million Agricultural Industrial Park in Luanda.

The facility will handle coffee processing, honey production, vegetable packaging and poultry products, enabling farmers to access better markets and earn higher incomes.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Winstar Jaika and Crispinus Ivan