This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
Kenya's coffee sector is facing a new challenge as farmers reject the recently approved Crop (Coffee) (General) regulations 2019. The regulations, published on July 1, 2019, were aimed at saving the sector but have been met with resistance from cooperative societies.
The farmers are demanding that the regulations be withdrawn and allow room for negotiations. Failure to comply will see the farmers move to court and block the implementation of the regulations.
The coffee farmers complained that abiding by the regulations was too costly, given the current low returns from coffee. They also stated that they were not consulted as per the constitutional requirements of public participation.
The cabinet secretary only consulted the Agriculture and Food Authority and the county governments, leaving out the farmers. The regulations do not address production challenges, the farmers alleged.
Related articles include the proposed regulations that would see coffee farmers receive 80% of their gross earnings, as well as a Sh 3 billion fund to be issued to coffee farmers at 3% interest.
