Kirinyaga’s Coffee Revolution: 40,000-Bag Warehouse to Empower Over 120,000 Farmers
Kirinyaga County has announced the construction of a 40,000-bag capacity coffee warehouse aimed at supporting over 120,000 smallholder farmers, according to reports by local outlets. This ambitious project seeks to enhance storage capacity, preserve coffee quality, and boost farmers’ earnings by reducing post-harvest losses and enabling strategic sales at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE).
Governor Anne Waiguru, a long-standing advocate for coffee farmers, reaffirmed her administration’s commitment:
“Our coffee farmers are beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labour, with impressive cherry payouts this season. Our county-level interventions—from extension services to cooperative strengthening—are delivering real impact.”
The warehouse marks a milestone in modernizing Kirinyaga’s coffee value chain, solidifying the county’s position as a powerhouse in Kenya’s coffee industry.
Why the Warehouse Matters
Kirinyaga, one of Kenya’s leading coffee-growing counties, plays a key role in the country’s 48,648-tonne coffee output, valued at $251.86 million in 2023 (KNBS). Yet, many smallholders face challenges due to inadequate storage, which leads to quality degradation and lower prices.
The new facility will offer:
- Climate-controlled storage to preserve the quality of coffee beans
- Flexibility for farmers to time their sales for better returns at the NCE
- Support for 14 coffee cooperative societies, which recently celebrated record cherry payouts of Ksh.100–Ksh.145 per kilogram in the 2024/2025 season
By strengthening post-harvest infrastructure, the warehouse ensures that farmers fully benefit from their high-grade SL28 and SL34 varieties, globally recognized for their quality.
Tackling the Core Challenges
The warehouse initiative directly addresses several key issues in Kirinyaga’s coffee sector:
- Limited Storage: Poor storage facilities reduce coffee quality and prices.
- Post-Harvest Losses: Improper handling results in significant income loss.
- Market Volatility: Farmers are vulnerable to global price fluctuations and middlemen.
Unlocking New Opportunities
This development opens the door for transformative collaboration among agricultural stakeholders:
- Expanded Infrastructure: Cooperatives can invest in satellite storage units, enhancing reach and efficiency.
- Sustainable Inputs: Agribusinesses like Organic Farm Kenya can supply eco-friendly inputs that boost quality and attract premium buyers.
- Farmer Training: NGOs and extension officers can offer training in post-harvest handling, organic practices, and value addition.
- Market Linkages: Agencies like KEPROBA can help Kirinyaga tap into high-value markets in South Korea, China, and the Middle East.
- Digital Tools: Apps offering market data and organic pest management can improve decision-making and farm resilience.
While the warehouse is a vital step forward, its success hinges on coordinated action. Farmers need access to affordable inputs, training, and digital tools. Cooperatives must enhance market access and transparency. County leaders should continue supporting sector reforms, including the Kirinyaga Slopes Coffee Brokerage Company, which has boosted direct sales at the NCE.
The Kirinyaga Coffee Warehouse 2025 offers new hope for over 120,000 farmers, promising better storage, improved coffee quality, and higher incomes. It’s time for farmers, cooperatives, policymakers, and agribusinesses to unite and take full advantage of this opportunity.
Explore sustainable solutions at Organic Farm Kenya to help drive Kirinyaga’s rise in the global coffee scene.
Together, we can make Kirinyaga a global leader in specialty coffee production.