This archive report was first published on 23 December 2019.
On December 4, 2019, EU Ambassador to Kenya Simon Mordue accompanied Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi and Meru Coffee Mills General Manager Duncan Marete to the cupping laboratory, marking a significant step towards providing cheaper credit to coffee farmers.
Following a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi, the government ordered the operationalisation of the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund, paving the way for farmers to access credit.
The fund, which will be run directly by the Ministry of Co-operatives, will offer credit to farmers, with borrowers able to access up to 40% of the prevailing average sale price at the Coffee Exchange or borrow Sh20 per kilogramme of cherry delivered.
Former Nyeri County Executive for Agriculture Henry Kinyua has been appointed chairman of the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (New KPCU), which will oversee the fund's operations.
Trade, Industry and Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has made seven appointments to the board of the New KPCU, including Joyce Wangari, Simeon Atheru, Sebastian Wambugu, Anthony Musau, Michael Mwirigi, Josephine Kemunto, and Rita Mukundi.
