Embu County has made a significant step in revitalizing its coffee sector by allocating KSh 28 million towards infrastructural development in four coffee cooperative societies. This move is part of a broader strategy to modernize coffee processing and improve productivity among local farmers.
The funding, channelled through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), will benefit the Kirimiri, Rianjagi, Kanjugu, and Muramuki coffee societies. Each society is set to receive KSh 7 million to enhance their processing facilities and implement vital upgrades that are expected to transform coffee production in the region.
The investment will focus on constructing solar dryers, metallic drying beds, sorting sheds, and improved fermentation tanks. Additionally, CCTV systems will be installed to enhance security and transparency in operations. These upgrades are aimed at improving post-harvest handling, minimizing losses, and ensuring the production of higher-quality coffee.
By addressing longstanding infrastructural challenges, Embu County aims to increase efficiency in the processing of coffee and lower production costs. The overall objective is to enhance the sector’s competitiveness both locally and internationally by producing premium-grade coffee that meets market demands.
County leadership emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader modernization agenda that has already seen similar support extended to eight other coffee factories in the region. Officials highlighted that such interventions are already yielding positive results, as evidenced by improved returns for coffee farmers.
In recent seasons, coffee producers in Embu have witnessed a significant boost in payments, with no factory reporting payments below KSh 100 per kilogram of cherry. Some factories have even recorded payouts as high as KSh 148 per kilogram, showcasing the impact of the modernization efforts. This upward trend in farmer earnings has been attributed to the combined contributions of both county and national government initiatives.
The current investment is also expected to promote sustainability in coffee farming by facilitating the adoption of more efficient and eco-friendly processing methods. The introduction of solar dryers, for example, reduces dependence on traditional drying methods that are often slower and less reliable, especially during rainy seasons.
Leaders from the benefiting coffee societies expressed their appreciation for the support, noting that limited resources had previously hindered their ability to undertake meaningful infrastructure development. The funds will now enable them to make the necessary improvements that are crucial to reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing processing quality.
In addition to the coffee sector, the county has also set its sights on supporting other key agricultural industries such as milk and tea. Plans are underway to extend similar modernization initiatives to these sectors, which also play a critical role in the region’s economy. The county government aims to replicate the successes seen in coffee production by providing targeted investments that address infrastructure gaps and support value chain development.
This multi-sectoral approach underscores the county’s commitment to improving livelihoods for farmers and positioning Embu as a competitive player in Kenya’s agricultural landscape. With sustained investment and strategic planning, Embu County is on a promising path toward agricultural transformation and rural economic growth.
