Over the past decade, the story of coffee production in Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties has been one of contrast, transformation, and shifting leadership in Kenya’s central highlands. From 2013/14 to 2022/23, both counties experienced vastly different journeys in their coffee sectors, shaped by policy, management, climate, and farmer engagement.
In 2013/14, Nyeri was the clear leader in coffee production, recording over 5 million kilograms of cherry. However, what followed was a steady and concerning decline. By the 2016/17 season, production had fallen to just under 2.5 million kilograms, marking a dramatic drop in output. This sharp decline has often been linked to changes in cooperative management, political interference, and discontent among farmers over delayed payments and low returns.
Following this low point, Nyeri’s coffee sector began a slow recovery. Though the rebound has not been strong enough to reclaim its former dominance, there have been signs of stabilization and modest growth. By 2022/23, the county’s production reached just under 4 million kilograms a notable improvement from its lowest point but still a far cry from its peak a decade earlier.
Meanwhile, Kirinyaga county has experienced a coffee renaissance. Starting at a relatively low base less than 500,000 kilograms in 2013/14 the county has seen consistent and exponential growth in coffee production year after year. A turning point came in the 2016/17 season when Kirinyaga surpassed Nyeri in production. From that moment, Kirinyaga established itself as the new leader, maintaining a strong upward trajectory.
By the end of the 2022/23 season, Kirinyaga’s production had soared to nearly 10 million kilograms. This growth has been attributed to several factors, including better-managed cooperatives, timely payments to farmers, strong county government support, and an emphasis on quality production that commands higher market prices. Additionally, improved extension services and increased farmer training have played a crucial role in sustaining growth.
The difference in the two counties’ performance is also reflected in farmer earnings. Kirinyaga not only leads in volume but also in the value of payments made to farmers. Higher yields, coupled with better quality and more organized marketing systems, have ensured that Kirinyaga farmers see tangible rewards for their efforts.
While Nyeri has shown some recovery in recent years, there is still significant ground to cover. The county needs a renewed focus on revitalizing its coffee sector starting with restoring trust between farmers and cooperatives, ensuring timely payments, and investing in productivity-enhancing measures such as training and access to inputs.
Kirinyaga’s rise offers a valuable blueprint for what’s possible when stakeholders work collaboratively toward a common goal. The county has transformed from a marginal producer to a national leader in under a decade a testament to strategic planning and consistent execution.
As coffee remains one of Kenya’s key export crops and a critical income source for thousands of farmers, both counties play vital roles in shaping the future of the industry. Kirinyaga’s achievements deserve recognition, but there is equal importance in Nyeri reclaiming its former status and contributing even more robustly to the sector.
Ultimately, the decade-long journey of coffee in these counties underscores the importance of good governance, farmer empowerment, and sustainable agricultural practices.
