By WMW
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe yesterday issued a firm warning to macadamia processors, unveiled an ambitious coffee expansion programme, and announced sweeping reforms targeting mismanagement in cooperative societies, in a move aimed at boosting farmer incomes and strengthening Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Speaking in Nyeri County yesterday, Kagwe directed processors to purchase all locally produced macadamia at the government-set minimum price of KSh100 per kilogram or risk the reopening of raw in-shell exports.
He accused brokers of exploiting farmers by buying nuts at as low as KSh30 per kilo and reselling to processors at higher regulated prices.
Kagwe said processors under the MacNuts Association of Kenya must absorb all local produce to sustain value addition, protect jobs, and ensure farmers receive fair returns.
He also urged farmers to form cooperatives to strengthen their bargaining power.
Tough measures to protect farmers
The Cabinet Secretary further condemned theft of high-value crops such as coffee, avocados and macadamia, describing it as economic sabotage. He warned that such activities undermine livelihoods and threaten national food security.
On cooperative governance, Kagwe took a strong stance against reckless borrowing by tea and coffee factories, noting that some have developed a pattern of taking unsustainable loans and later seeking government bailouts without accountability.
“Government cannot continue writing off debts when there is no clear audit of how funds were used,” he said, adding that new regulations will now require factories to present viable business plans before accessing loans.
He also challenged cooperative members to elect competent leaders capable of safeguarding farmer interests, emphasizing that poor leadership has contributed significantly to the collapse of some factories.
Coffee expansion and sector reforms
In a major boost to the coffee sector, Kagwe announced a nationwide recovery programme aimed at increasing production from 49,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes.
The plan includes distribution of one million coffee seedlings in Nyeri and an additional 10,000 seedlings to top-performing factories in every county.
He said the initiative will also focus on rehabilitating old coffee trees and encouraging new planting, as improved prices renew farmer interest in the crop.
Among the beneficiaries is Gachatha Coffee Factory, which paid farmers KSh155 per kilo and received 200,000 seedlings worth over KSh12 million in recognition of its performance.
Kagwe noted that reforms under a new legal framework are underway, including the transition of the Coffee Directorate under the Agriculture and Food Authority into the Coffee Board of Kenya.
The Coffee Research and Training Institute will operate under the new structure to enhance research and farmer advisory services.
Nyeri secures first agricultural research hub
In a significant development for the region, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga allocated 20 acres of land to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) for the establishment of the county’s first agricultural research station.
KALRO board chairman Dr Thuo Mathenge said implementation will begin immediately, with the centre, situated near Naromoru town, along Nyeri-Nanyuki highway expected to focus on both crop and livestock innovation.
Kagwe said the research hub will play a key role in boosting productivity, particularly in semi-arid areas such as Kieni, by promoting modern farming techniques and innovation.
He emphasized that with limited land and a growing population, research and technology will be critical in increasing food production.
The county government has also set aside additional land for the Kenya School of Agriculture and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), signaling deeper collaboration between national and county governments.
Kagwe said such partnerships are essential to transforming agriculture, increasing farmer incomes, creating jobs, and securing Kenya’s long-term food security.
The CS was accompanied by several government and political leaders led by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga.
John Kamau