This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
Published on November 7, 2019, coffee farmers in South Rift have expressed concerns over the implementation of the Coffee General Regulations, 2019.
Joseph Koskei, the spokesman of 50 coffee cooperative unions, stated that the regulations are skewed and may cause conflict among regulators and stakeholders.
The regulations, contained in the Kenya Gazette Notice No 102 of July, 2019, aim to address the ailing coffee sub-sector but may instead lead to theft of coffee through cherry hawking, according to Koskei.
He added that the regulations would cause confusion in the marketing of coffee, create a monopoly in the sale of coffee, and hinder arbitration in case of claims.
“We are not convinced the new regulations will fix the ailing sub-sector but instead cause conflict among regulators and stakeholders,” said Koskei.
“It will also lead to theft of coffee through cherry hawking. This will thrive in the changed grower model that has created commercial pulping stations through the back door of grower associations,” he said.
“There will be two sources of catalogue for the same growers for example from the broker and miller. In addition, the ware-houseman will not release the coffee for sale to the broker, miller or agent unless the grower consents,” he said.
“How will arbitration be done if a claim arises. In addition, the rules require all actions to be concluded at the floor of the exchange,” he said.
