This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
On December 2, 2019, Murang'a County Assembly made a significant move in the coffee industry by endorsing a deal between five local coffee cooperative societies and an Italian firm. The five societies, Thikagiki, Kinogerama, New Gatanga, Gatunyu Kigio, and Kanyenya ini farmers cooperative societies, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ibarico sri Italy.
The assembly's Agriculture Committee Chairman, Charles Kahoro, explained that Sh358,344,000 would be required to train farmers to produce high-quality coffee for the Italian market. The funds would also facilitate the processing of certifications from regulatory bodies to enable Murang'a coffee to find a niche in the export market.
According to Kahoro, the committee had toured Italy between September 24 and October 6, where Murang'a Farmers Cooperative Union signed the pact on behalf of the cooperatives based in Gatanga and Kangema sub-counties. He emphasized that the cooperation between the Italian firm and the five societies would improve the quality of coffee grown in the region, raise demand, and lead to better prices for farmers.
Wangari Kigo and Amos Murigi, who supported the report, commended the assembly's decision, stating that it would bring better returns to long-suffering farmers. Murigi added that the county assembly should assist farmers in getting better prices for their produce to end decades of poor returns.
