Kirinyaga county government calls for dialogue in implementation of reforms in coffee sector in wake of protest over direct payment system
County Government of Kirinyaga has called for dialogue and involvement of coffee farmers and cooperatives societies in the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the sector.
Speaking during Ushirika Day celebrations at KirinyagaUniversity, Deputy Governor David Githanda who represented Governor Anne Waiguru asked all stakeholders in the sector to give dialogue a chance in the ongoing debate on Direct Settlement System (DSS) for payouts and the delegates system.
Coffee farmers have expressed dissatisfaction with DSS and the delegates system, arguing that the move will harm cooperative societies and disadvantage small-scale producers.
“As we invest in developing our cooperatives, we call for dialogue so that interests of our farmers are safeguarded. The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives should fully involve all stakeholders and have a candid dialogue with cooperators because there are divergent views on this matter,” he said.
Githanda hailed the role of cooperatives in driving inclusive economic growth and transforming livelihoods.
“Our cooperatives are not just community groups. They are powerful economic players improving lives and livelihoods across the county. As a county government, we fully support their role in transforming grassroots economies,” Githanda said.
He further called for integrity and accountability in cooperative leadership to safeguard members’ investments furtheremphasizing county government’s commitment in strengthening cooperative governance to ensure transparency and compliance.
The Deputy Governor welcomed the Cooperative Bill 2024 currently under review in the Senate, expressing hope that it will clarify roles, strengthen collaboration, and enhance county support for cooperatives.
He said Kirinyaga boasts over 126 registered cooperatives with more than 300,000 members who have mobilized over Kshs. 8.7 billion in savings and created more than 1,623 direct jobs.
The event, part of the global celebrations themed “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World,” brought together cooperative leaders, members, and county officials.
Githanda highlighted that the county has invested Kshs. 50 million to upgrade Kirinyaga Coffee Mills and warehouse facilities. This, he said, will improve processing, storage, and marketing capacity, enabling farmers to earn more from their produce.
In addition, the county has registered 20 ward-based Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) which are giving farmers access to affordable credit, helping them expand their businesses and increase productivity.
The Deputy Governor also pointed out that modern markets have been constructed across the county to support avocado and tomato farmers, reducing post-harvest losses and allowing them to negotiate better prices.
“Our goal is to empower cooperatives by creating the right infrastructure, financial access, and governance systems,” Githanda noted.
To crown the day, more Saccos were recognized for their outstanding performance. Ollin Sacco emerged top with an average dividend payout of 17.5 percent, while Fortune Sacco followed closely with a 13.5 percent payout.
- Kenya is home to over 25,000 registered cooperatives with more than 14 million members actively engaged in sectors such as transport, housing, trade, and agriculture. The country is recognized globally as one of the most vibrant cooperative movements in the world.
