The Mountain Journal
Coffee farmers in Kirinyaga County are celebrating a historic windfall after earnings hit a record
Sh 7.4 billion, marking one of the highest coffee payouts ever recorded in the county.
The latest payments ranged between Sh 104 and Sh 157.40 per kilogram of cherry, with an
impressive average of Sh 139 per kilogram, underscoring a strong resurgence in the sector driven
by sustained reforms and targeted county government support.
The standout performers were led by Thirikwa Farmers’ Cooperative Society, which posted the
highest average payout at Sh 157.15 per kilogram, followed closely by Rung’eto Farmers’
Cooperative Society at Sh 155.62, and Rwama Farmers’ Cooperative Society at Sh 152.03,
reflecting improved quality and efficiency across key cooperatives.
Out of the Sh 7.4 billion payout received by cooperatives for the sale of the coffee, farmers
received Sh 6.99 billion for their deliveries while the rest of money was used to clear factory
operation costs.
Coffee production also increased from 45,717 metric tons in 2024/2025 to 49,100 metric tons in
2025/2026.
The latest payout figures position Kirinyaga among the top-performing coffee regions in the
country, with factories affiliated to Baragwi Coffee Cooperative Society and Rung’eto Farmers’
Cooperative Society dominating the highest returns. Nyanja Factory under Baragwi emerged
among the best payers at Sh157.40 per kilogram, closely followed by Kiangoi Factory
(Sh156.30), Kii Factory (Sh155.62) and Karimikui Factory (Sh155.50), all under Rung’eto,
while Guama Factory also posted a strong Sh151.30 per kilogram.
In a statement, Governor Anne Waiguru said Kirinyaga had once again emerged among the top
coffee earners in the country as lauded farmers for their efforts to increased quantity and quality
of coffee production.
“Kirinyaga has done it again. Our farmers are once more leading the country with the highest
coffee payouts, a clear reflection of quality, strong cooperatives and deliberate support from the
county government,” she said.
The governor added that sustained support to farmers and ongoing reforms in management
structures were beginning to yield tangible results, positioning the sector for even greater growth.
Waiguru noted that the county government has rolled out a series of interventions including
subsidized high-quality seedlings and fertilizer, strengthened extension services, continuous
farmer training and installation of modern solar dryers at factory level. It has also supported the
construction of a coffee warehouse for the union dry mill and enhanced market access through
the Kirinyaga Slopes Coffee Brokerage Company.
Chairman of Baragwi Coffee Cooperative Society, Francis Muriithi, said the payouts marked a
steady improvement from previous seasons, noting that the average rate had risen from about
Sh134 last year to approximately Sh139 this season.
“This is a clear improvement compared to last year. Our average has increased by about Sh5 per
kilogram, which is a significant gain for farmers,” he said.
Muriithi attributed the growth to improved coffee quality and stronger support systems,
explaining that farmers had benefited from timely access to inputs, training and streamlined
licensing processes.
“The county government has played a big role in improving quality, supporting farmers and
strengthening the entire value chain,” he added.
While welcoming the progress, he called on the national government to consider waiving
farmers’ debts to boost net earnings, revealing that the society processed about 13 million
kilograms of cherry this season, translating to a payout of nearly Sh1.8 billion.
At the grassroots, farmers say the impact of the reforms is increasingly evident. Francis Gachoki,
a farmer at Kagongo Factory under Baragwi Coffee Cooperative Society, said earnings had
improved compared to last season, noting that his payout rose from Sh128 to Sh135 per kilogram
which he termed as motivation to him and the other farmers.
Gachoki attributed the improvement to reforms in cooperative management and better market
access, saying the changes had helped stabilize the sector. He further noted that investments in
infrastructure, including improved rural roads, had eased transportation of produce, while the
revival of processing systems had enhanced efficiency.
At Nyanja Factory, farmer Julius Muriuki said county-led initiatives such as soil testing, timely
distribution of fertilizer and farmer education had significantly improved coffee production in the
area. He noted that farmers were now better equipped with knowledge on crop management,
contributing to higher quality beans and improved payouts.
At Thirikwa Farmers’ Cooperative Society, Chairman David Njomo said farmers were
encouraged by the strong returns recorded this season, noting that the society produced about
1.566 million kilograms of cherry.
“This season has been very rewarding for our farmers. We have about 1.566 million kilograms of
cherry, translating to over Sh200 million at an average rate of around Sh157 per kilogram,” he
said.
Njomo attributed the performance to sustained support from the county government, mentioning
that interventions such as subsidized fertilizer, provision of drying beds and investment in
processing infrastructure had significantly boosted both productivity and quality.
A farmer at the society, Emily Wanjiku, also cited timely access to farm inputs and improved
storage facilities as having enhanced farm management, noting that the current payouts had
renewed farmers’ confidence.
“We are receiving inputs at the right time and have better storage, which has made our work
easier. The payments this year have really motivated us to invest more in coffee farming,” she
said.
Across the county, most cooperative societies have announced their payments, with the lowest
rate standing at Sh104 per kilogram with farmers now optimistic that sustained reforms,
improved management and favorable market conditions could push future payouts beyond Sh200
per kilogram, further strengthening household incomes and cementing Kirinyaga’s position as a
leading coffee producer.
