By Hilda Atika
The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya, has called on residents of Kakamega County to embrace coffee farming as a means of eradicating poverty.
Speaking in Lurambi Constituency during the revitalisation of the coffee and dairy sectors in Kakamega County, Oparanya emphasised the government’s commitment to boosting coffee production.
He stated that the Ministry of Cooperatives, in partnership with the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU), would take the lead in enhancing coffee farming across the country.
Government’s Commitment to Coffee Reforms
“Having been appointed by President William Ruto as the Cooperatives and MSME CS, I will sensitise farmers, starting from my home county, Kakamega, to ensure coffee farming is embraced. We will then expand these reforms to other parts of the country,” Oparanya said. He reiterated that, as per the President’s directive, coffee production should increase from 50,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes by 2028, creating more employment opportunities for the youth and generating revenue to boost the economy and spur development. “I have been a politician for many years. Now, I am fully focused on my role as CS for MSME and will leave county matters to other leaders,” he reaffirmed.
Supporting Farmers and Entrepreneurs
The former Kakamega Governor pledged to support coffee farmers and entrepreneurs by developing strategies that will encourage savings and economic growth. “I don’t want to see people becoming beggars when they are in good health and capable of joining cooperatives. If you lease us, we shall freely support you so that you can live a better life,” Oparanya emphasised.
Coffee Farming as a Key Economic Driver
Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka highlighted that the coffee and dairy sectors are essential to Kenya’s agricultural landscape, providing income for thousands of farmers while contributing to food security and industrial development. “As leaders, we remain committed to enhancing value chains, improving market access, and equipping farmers with the necessary tools to promote sustainability and profitability in these key sectors,” Hon. Aseka said.
Coffee’s High Market Value
KPCU Managing Director, Timothy Mirugi, underscored the economic value of coffee, describing it as the most traded commodity after oil. He urged residents of Kakamega to embrace coffee farming, even on small plots of land, as it could significantly improve their livelihoods. Mirugi pointed out that coffee farming could help families pay for university fees, stating that just 1 to 2 hectares of coffee could generate sufficient income. He further proposed that if every household in Kakamega planted coffee on at least half a hectare, fundraising for school fees would no longer be necessary.
The event was attended by Lurambi MP Hon. Titus Khamala, officials from the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development, and other key stakeholders, who engaged in discussions aimed at revitalising coffee and dairy farming in the region.
