This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
On July 28, 2019, new coffee regulations came into effect, giving devolved governments in Kenya more control of the ailing industry.
The regulations, which were developed by a task force formed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016, aim to resuscitate coffee farming by increasing production and streamlining the market.
Under the new rules, county governments will assume most of the roles previously undertaken by the Agriculture Food Authority (AFA), including issuing of milling and marketing permits.
Stakeholders have raised questions on whether the devolved units will be up to the task, with some arguing that functions like issuing of licences should be left to the regulator.
However, according to Mr Paul Muhoro, a Nyeri-based coffee expert, the new regulations will give farmers a clear picture of the roles of the devolved function and AFA.
“Separation of powers between the two levels of government gives farmers a clear picture of the roles of the devolved function and AFA. They know who to go to when they need the licences,” Mr Muhoro said.
Payment to farmers will be deposited into co-operative accounts through the Direct Settlement System from the Nairobi Coffee Exchange and then remitted to farmers after deductions.
However, some farmers have expressed concerns about the new system, with Mr Joseph Mukuha, chairman of Ndaroini Coffee Growers, saying that there are no cut-out guidelines on who will be running the system.
