Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on coffee cooperatives to refrain from borrowing funds without consulting farmers, as the government allocates KSh 7 billion to clear existing debts in the coffee sub-sector. Speaking in Nyeri County today, Gachagua emphasized the importance of transparency and farmer involvement in financial decisions affecting the industry.
“We’re battling debts and we’ve set aside KSh 7 billion for that,” Gachagua stated. “We want the cooperative officials to not take on new debts after we settle the current ones. If they do, they must involve the farmers.”
The Deputy President’s remarks come in the wake of increasing concerns about the financial management of coffee cooperatives. Many farmers have expressed frustration over decisions made without their input, which often result in additional financial burdens for the cooperatives and, by extension, the farmers themselves.
Gachagua also urged cooperative officials to focus on strategic planning to enhance the productivity and sustainability of coffee farming. “We need to concentrate on strategies to improve our farming practices,” he added.
The government’s KSh 7 billion allocation is part of a broader effort to revive the coffee industry, which has been struggling with debt and declining production. By clearing existing debts, the government aims to provide a fresh start for coffee cooperatives and enable them to operate more effectively and sustainably.
The move to involve farmers in decision-making processes is seen as a step towards more inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices. It aligns with broader government efforts to revitalize the agricultural sector and ensure that farmers have a voice in shaping policies and practices that affect their livelihoods.
