The Mountain Journal
A US based foundation will partner with Murang’a County Government to support revamping of the coffee sector among other initiatives.
The MLIFE Foundation team held consultative meetings with leadership in Murang’a focusing on increased coffee production through introducing the crop to the youth.
He said the partnership in the coffee sector will have an impact on the youth through self-employment and marketing it online.
Photo/ Mlife Foundation President Mwangi Mukami (left) with Murang’a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania( right).
Photo/ Kahumbu MCA Chefman Isaac Gitau
“ There demand for Kenyan coffee in the international market is enormous, thus the need for the involvement of the youth in the sector,” said Mwangi.
Munania appreciated the delegation over the concern with the youth saying the government has established coffee demonstration farms across the sub counties targeting involvement of the youth.
“ The County government has two acres of land for the purpose of a coffee farming demonstration at Ikundu farm, another two acres at Iyego society,” said Munania, also the coffee ambassador in Murang’a.
Coffee production in Murang’a county is at 20 million kilogrammes annually despite the capacity of 100 million kilogrammes.
“ Presently, the sector fetches Sh2.5 billion yet if the potentials are exhausted Murang’a can generate in excess of Sh25 billion annually,” Munania observed.
Kahumbu MCA who invited the Mlife Foundation in Murang’a said he has kicked off coffee rehabilitation programme in his ward.
“Already 100 farmers in my place are back in the farms after they attended several workshops conducted by Youth Action for Rural Development (YARD) Executive Director Sebastian Wambugu.
He observed that coffee farming, if supported, will secure the young from the yolk of alcoholism and criminality.
Mukuha said the assembly will enact legislation that will guide the partnership between the executive and the foundation.
“ The partnerships if anchored in law will prospel the county to great heights,” said the assembly speaker.
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