Kirinyaga Farmers Shine with New Coffee Skills

In Summary

• Kirinyaga coffee farmers gain skills through county-led training programs.
• Over 5,000 farmers trained in regenerative agriculture and modern practices.
• Focus on high-yield varieties, pest control, and eco-pulping technology.
• Training boosts production, with Mutira Cooperative targeting 6 million kg by 2027.
• Skills enhance farmer incomes and align with global specialty coffee demand.
• County aims to expand training to 10,000 farmers by 2026.

Coffee farmers in Kirinyaga County are reaping the benefits of new skills acquired through targeted training programs, boosting production and incomes. The county government, in collaboration with cooperatives and organizations like Fairtrade Africa, has trained over 5,000 smallholder farmers since 2017 in modern farming practices, regenerative agriculture, and value-addition techniques, according to a July 18, 2025, report from the Mutira Farmers’ Cooperative Society.

The training, supported by the Kirinyaga County Coffee Revitalisation Programme, focuses on high-yield, disease-resistant varieties like Ruiru 11 and Batian, pest and disease management, soil health, and efficient processing methods. Farmers have adopted eco-pulping machines and metallic drying beds, increasing premium-grade coffee output from 45% to 80% at cooperatives like Mutira, as reported by cooperative manager Boniface Muchiri.

Mutira Farmers’ Cooperative Society, with 8,000 members, processed 4.88 million kilograms of coffee berries in 2023 and aims to reach 6 million by 2027 through improved practices. “These skills have transformed our farms. We’re producing better coffee and earning more,” said Richard Muthie, a smallholder farmer who delivered 400 kg of cherries this year.

County Agriculture Executive Jacqueline Wanjiku credited the success to hands-on extension services. “Our farmers are learning to use compost, intercrop with macadamia and avocados, and adopt climate-smart practices, which boost yields and sustainability,” she said at a recent training forum in Gichugu. The county has also distributed over 340,000 Batian seedlings to enhance productivity.

The training addresses long-standing challenges like low yields, which average 2–3 kg per tree against a potential of 30 kg, and fluctuating global prices. “With new skills, I expect to harvest 9,000 kg this season,” said Nyawira Njiraini, a farmer who earned KSh 468,000 from 6,000 kg last season. Farmers also benefit from value-addition equipment, such as roasters and grinders, provided to Mwirua Cooperative, enabling local sales of processed coffee.

James Munyi, chair of Kanjuu Farmers Cooperative, emphasized soil testing and reduced chemical use. “Farmers are switching to resistant varieties like Ruiru 11, cutting costs and improving quality,” he said. The cooperative’s efforts have aligned with global demand for specialty coffee, which fetches premium prices.

However, farmers like Kellen Wambui urged for more accessible training. “We need programs to reach remote areas to ensure all farmers benefit,” she said. The county plans to train 10,000 more farmers by 2026, focusing on youth and women, to sustain the sector’s growth.

The initiative, backed by Governor Anne Waiguru, aligns with national reforms like the Cherry Advance Revolving Fund, aiming to increase Kirinyaga’s coffee output to 50,000 tonnes annually. With Kenya’s coffee earning $251.86 million in 2023, these skills position Kirinyaga farmers to compete globally.