Monthly Archives: March 2026

Kenya’s coffee industry has long been a source of pride, livelihood, and global recognition. Yet in recent years, farmers have faced declining earnings, fragmented regulation, and limited access to markets and training. The signing into law of the Coffee Bill, 2023 (Senate Bill No. 10) marks a turning point — a bold legislative step aimed at restoring the sector’s vitality and putting farmers at the center of its future.

🏛️ Reinstating the Coffee Board of Kenya

One of the most significant reforms in the Bill is the re-establishment of the Coffee Board of Kenya as the principal regulator of the coffee sector. Previously, oversight was handled by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), which managed multiple crops under a broad mandate. The return of a dedicated coffee board ensures that the unique needs of coffee farmers, processors, and marketers are addressed with focused attention and expertise.The Board will now be responsible for licensing, quality control, marketing facilitation, and sector coordination. This change is expected to streamline operations, reduce bureaucratic delays, and give farmers a stronger voice in shaping policy and practice.

🔬 Establishing the Coffee Research and Training Institute

To support innovation and knowledge transfer, the Bill creates a Coffee Research and Training Institute. This institution will be tasked with conducting scientific research, developing climate-resilient farming techniques, and offering training programs to farmers across the country.

For smallholder farmers, this means access to modern agronomic practices, pest and disease management strategies, and post-harvest handling techniques that can significantly improve yields and bean quality. The institute will also serve as a hub for extension services, ensuring that research findings are translated into practical solutions on the ground.

🧭 Clear Governance and Accountability

The Bill introduces structured governance mechanisms for the Coffee Board, including the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer, formation of specialized committees, and clearly defined powers and responsibilities. These provisions are designed to enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the sector.

By formalizing leadership roles and operational procedures, the Bill lays the foundation for a more accountable and responsive regulatory environment — one that listens to farmers and acts swiftly to address challenges.

🌍 Fair Trade and Market Access

Kenyan coffee is renowned worldwide for its quality, yet many farmers have struggled to access premium markets or receive fair compensation for their produce. The new law seeks to strengthen trade frameworks, reduce exploitation by intermediaries, and open up new opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

This includes support for direct marketing channels, cooperative-led export initiatives, and partnerships that connect farmers to buyers who value quality and sustainability. With better access to transparent pricing and reliable buyers, farmers can expect more predictable income and improved livelihoods.

📜 A Dedicated Legal Framework

Prior to this Bill, coffee regulation was scattered across various laws and legal notices, including the Crops Act (2013) and Legal Notice 102 of 2019. The Coffee Bill replaces these with a comprehensive, sector-specific legal framework that provides clarity, consistency, and enforceability.

This legal overhaul is critical for resolving long-standing disputes, attracting investment, and ensuring that coffee remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s agricultural economy. It also aligns with broader government efforts to restructure key economic sectors for sustainability and competitiveness.

🤝 What This Means for Farmers

For members of the National Coffee Cooperative Union and farmers across Kenya, the Coffee Bill offers a renewed sense of hope and opportunity by addressing long-standing challenges in the sector. It promises better earnings through fairer trade structures and improved market access, ensuring that farmers receive more equitable compensation for their hard work. It also emphasizes capacity building by establishing research and training programs that will equip farmers with modern techniques and knowledge to boost productivity and quality. With the reinstatement of the Coffee Board of Kenya, farmers gain stronger representation under a governance model designed to prioritize their interests. In addition, the Bill provides legal protection through a dedicated coffee law, replacing fragmented regulations with a clear framework tailored to the industry. Finally, it lays the foundation for sustainable growth, driven by innovation, accountability, and a renewed focus on farmer empowerment, ensuring that Kenyan coffee remains competitive and resilient for generations to come.

📣 Call to Action

This is a pivotal moment for our sector, and as the National Coffee Cooperative Union, we call on all members to embrace the opportunities brought by the Coffee Bill, 2023. Farmers are encouraged to stay informed about the new structures and the benefits they provide, ensuring that they understand how these changes will impact their livelihoods. Participation in upcoming training and extension programs will be vital, as these initiatives are designed to equip farmers with modern skills and knowledge to improve productivity and quality. We also urge members to engage actively with the Coffee Board of Kenya, making sure that farmer voices are represented in decision-making processes. Just as importantly, we ask you to share this information with fellow farmers and cooperatives so that the entire community can move forward together. By uniting around these reforms, we can build a thriving, inclusive, and globally competitive coffee industry — one that honors Kenya’s rich legacy and secures a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Kenyan cooperative movement came together in solemn unity today to bid farewell to a man whose life was inseparable from the growth and transformation of farmer cooperatives — Mr. Patrick Katingima.

Leaders, farmers, family members, and stakeholders from across the country gathered to celebrate a legacy built on dedication, integrity, and unwavering service to coffee farmers and cooperative institutions.

A Pillar of Kenya’s Coffee Cooperative Movement

As Treasurer of the National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU), Mr. Katingima played a critical role in shaping policy direction, strengthening governance structures, and safeguarding the interests of member cooperatives. His leadership extended beyond administration; it reflected a deep understanding of the cooperative philosophy — unity, shared prosperity, and farmer empowerment.

For nearly five decades, he remained a steady voice advocating for fairness, accountability, and sustainability within Kenya’s coffee sector.

Transformational Leadership at Machakos Coffee Union

Serving concurrently as Chairman of Machakos Coffee Union, Mr. Katingima oversaw significant institutional growth. Under his stewardship, the union became recognized as one of the most vibrant cooperative institutions in the region.

His leadership focused on strengthening farmer participation, promoting transparency and sound management within cooperative institutions, encouraging greater involvement of youth and women in cooperative leadership and activities, and supporting initiatives aimed at improving farmer incomes and livelihoods. During the burial, many speakers described him as a mentor, mediator, and visionary leader whose calm, principled approach and inclusive leadership style earned him deep respect across generations within the cooperative movement.

A Day of Reflection and Gratitude

The burial ceremony was marked by heartfelt tributes reflecting both grief and gratitude. Cooperative leaders acknowledged that Mr. Katingima represented a generation of pioneers who dedicated their lives to building strong farmer-owned institutions.

A delegation from NACCU joined the family and community in paying their final respects, affirming solidarity with the cooperative fraternity during this moment of loss.

While the occasion carried deep sorrow, it also celebrated a life that transformed countless livelihoods. Farmers shared stories of guidance, encouragement, and opportunity made possible through his leadership.

A Legacy That Lives On

Mr. Katingima’s greatest achievement was not measured in titles held but in institutions strengthened and people empowered. The cooperatives he helped nurture continue to serve thousands of farmers, ensuring that his vision endures far beyond his lifetime.

His passing marks the end of an era, yet his legacy remains firmly rooted in Kenya’s cooperative movement — in every farmer empowered, every cooperative strengthened, and every leader inspired by his example.

As the soil closed over his resting place today, the cooperative movement did not simply say goodbye; it renewed its commitment to carry forward the values he championed.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Kenya’s coffee industry, long regarded as one of the country’s most valuable agricultural sectors, is on the brink of a major transformation following the enactment of the Coffee Act.

This landmark legislation introduces structural, regulatory, and economic reforms designed to revive the sector, increase farmer earnings, and restore Kenya’s global competitiveness.

1. A New Regulatory Era

One of the most notable changes is the creation of the Coffee Board of Kenya, which will now oversee regulation, promotion, and coordination of the industry.

This shift centralizes oversight and is expected to streamline operations that were previously fragmented under different institutions.

2. Empowering Farmers Through Market Access

For decades, Kenyan coffee farmers have largely depended on the Nairobi Coffee Exchange for selling their produce.

The new law introduces greater flexibility by allowing farmers to sell a portion of their coffee directly to buyers—especially when auction prices are unfavorable.

This reform is expected to enhance competition and improve price discovery.

3. Eliminating Cartels and Middlemen

The reforms target long-standing inefficiencies caused by middlemen and cartels who have historically dominated the coffee value chain.

By simplifying licensing and strengthening governance, the government aims to ensure that farmers receive a fair share of the value of their produce.

4. Improved Payment Systems

Delayed payments have been one of the biggest challenges in the coffee sector. The new framework introduces mechanisms such as direct settlement systems, ensuring that farmers are paid promptly after their coffee is sold.

5. Investment in Research, Quality, and Marketing

The Coffee Act also emphasizes quality improvement and global competitiveness by supporting research institutions and marketing initiatives. This is critical in maintaining Kenya’s reputation for producing premium Arabica coffee.

6. A Vision for Growth

The reforms align with Kenya’s broader ambition to significantly increase coffee production in the coming years while improving farmer incomes and livelihoods.

Conclusion

The Coffee Act, 2026 represents a turning point for Kenya’s coffee industry.If effectively implemented, it has the potential to transform the sector into a more transparent, efficient, and farmer-centered ecosystem.For millions of Kenyan farmers, this is not just policy reform—it is a renewed promise of prosperity and dignity.

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) and the wider cooperative movement are mourning the loss of veteran cooperative leader Patrick Katingima, who passed away on 28th February 2026. His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Kenya’s coffee cooperative sector, where he dedicated decades of service to strengthening farmer institutions and advocating for the welfare of coffee growers.

Until his passing, Mr. Katingima served as Treasurer of NACCU and Chairman of Machakos Coffee Union (MCU). Over nearly five decades, he earned widespread respect as a community elder, a committed coffee farmer, and a steadfast champion of cooperative development. His leadership and vision played a critical role in advancing the interests of smallholder coffee farmers across Kenya.

During his tenure at Machakos Coffee Union, Mr. Katingima oversaw significant growth and institutional strengthening. Under his leadership, the union established key initiatives aimed at improving services to farmers, including the development of a coffee milling plant, a SACCO to support farmers’ financial needs, and the Women in Coffee movement, which created greater opportunities for women in the coffee value chain.

Mr. Katingima’s influence extended far beyond Machakos. Within NACCU, his experience and wisdom helped guide the union’s work in advocating for farmer-owned cooperatives and strengthening the national coffee cooperative movement. His dedication and integrity inspired confidence among fellow leaders and members, leading to his re-election as Treasurer even in his absence. Earlier in his career, he also served within the now-defunct Coffee Board of Kenya, further contributing to the development of Kenya’s coffee sector.

Following news of his passing, a NACCU delegation led by Chairman Felix Mwai and CEO Festus Bett visited both the family of the late Mr. Katingima and the offices of Machakos Coffee Union to convey their condolences. At the MCU offices, the delegation was received by General Manager James Ndeto, who also serves as NACCU’s accountant.

Speaking on behalf of NACCU, Chairman Mwai expressed heartfelt sympathies and urged cooperative leaders and members to remain united and continue advancing the vision Mr. Katingima held for the cooperative movement.

The delegation later visited Mr. Katingima’s home, where they met members of his family. During the visit, NACCU reiterated its support and encouraged the family to continue supporting coffee farming, a cause their late father had passionately championed for decades. Family members, led by his son Kioko Katingima, pledged to uphold their father’s legacy in the coffee sector and continue supporting the cooperative movement.

As burial preparations continue ahead of his interment scheduled for 27th March, NACCU has pledged to remain in close contact with both the family and Machakos Coffee Union to ensure that Mr. Katingima receives a befitting send-off.

Although Mr. Katingima is no longer with us, his enduring commitment to strengthening Kenya’s coffee cooperatives and advancing coffee agribusiness will continue to inspire generations of farmers and cooperative leaders. His legacy lives on through the many farmers, leaders, and institutions he mentored and supported throughout his life.

May his soul rest in peace.

Across the coffee value chain in Kenya, women play an essential role in nurturing coffee farms, managing households, and sustaining rural economies. At National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU), women are not just participants in the coffee industry—they are valued leaders, innovators, and drivers of transformation. NACCU recognizes that empowering women strengthens not only families but also the entire cooperative movement.

Recognizing the Contribution of Women in Coffee

Women contribute significantly to coffee farming, from planting and tending coffee trees to harvesting and post-harvest handling. Their dedication ensures quality production and consistent supply. NACCU actively acknowledges these contributions by creating platforms where women’s voices are heard and their roles in the industry are recognized and celebrated.

Building Leadership and Decision-Making Capacity

A strong cooperative sector depends on inclusive leadership. NACCU encourages and supports women to take up leadership positions within cooperatives, committees, and farmer organizations. Through leadership training, mentorship programs, and targeted capacity-building initiatives, women are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.

Economic Empowerment and Financial Inclusion

Financial independence is a critical pillar of empowerment. NACCU promotes initiatives that improve women’s access to markets, income opportunities, and financial services. By strengthening women’s participation in the coffee value chain, the organization helps ensure that women benefit directly from the value they help create.

Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Environment

Empowerment goes beyond training and economic opportunities—it also requires a supportive environment. NACCU fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration where women can contribute freely and confidently. By encouraging equal participation and promoting gender-sensitive policies, the organization continues to build a cooperative sector that works for everyone.

Looking Ahead

As the coffee industry continues to evolve, empowering women remains central to building resilient cooperatives and sustainable communities. Through continuous support, training, and leadership development, National Coffee Cooperative Union remains committed to ensuring that women are recognized, valued, and empowered at every stage of the coffee value chain.When women thrive, cooperatives grow stronger—and the future of the coffee sector becomes brighter for all. 🌱☕

Leaders and representatives from various cooperative unions recently came together for an engaging session focused on strengthening leadership, promoting equality, and expanding opportunities within the cooperative sector.

The discussions focused on key areas including building confidence and leadership skills, promoting gender equality in professional and community spaces, and exploring strategies for economic empowerment and self-reliance.

Participants also had the opportunity to network, share experiences, and build partnerships that strengthen the cooperative movement.The session brought together participants from several unions including:

• West Pokot Farmers’ Co-operative Union
• Trans Nzoia Co-operative Union
• Bungoma County Co-operative Union
• Uasin Gishu Co-operative Union
• Kirinyaga Co-operative Union
• Meru South Co-operative Union

By bringing leaders together, the initiative continues to support stronger collaboration, knowledge sharing, and inclusive growth within the cooperative sector.

Coffee farmers, industry stakeholders, and agricultural experts gathered on March 4th, 2026 at Kipkelion Coffee Mill for the highly anticipated Coffee Farmers Open Day 2026. The event brought together participants from different coffee-growing regions for a day dedicated to learning, innovation, and strengthening coffee farming as a profitable enterprise.

The Open Day was organized by National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) in partnership with NICE, under the theme “Coffee Farming as a Business.” The event focused on equipping farmers with practical knowledge, modern technologies, and strategies aimed at improving productivity and profitability within the coffee value chain.

Practical Learning for Coffee Farmers

One of the highlights of the day was the plant clinic, where farmers had the opportunity to interact directly with agronomists and coffee experts. Farmers brought samples of coffee leaves, branches, and soil to receive professional advice on crop health, disease diagnosis, and best management practices.

Through these sessions, participants learned effective approaches to improving farm productivity, managing coffee diseases, and adopting better agronomic practices that enhance both yield and quality.

Demonstrations of Modern Farming Equipment

The event also featured demonstrations of modern coffee farming equipment designed to improve efficiency and reduce labour costs. Farmers had the opportunity to see different machines and tools used in farm preparation, spraying, and crop management.

These demonstrations allowed farmers to better understand how mechanization can support large-scale coffee production while maintaining quality standards.

Focus on Pest and Disease Management

Experts also conducted sessions on disease and pest management, providing farmers with updated information on how to identify and control common coffee pests and diseases. Farmers were guided on early detection, proper spraying techniques, and integrated pest management strategies that protect crops while ensuring sustainable farming practices.

These discussions were particularly important for farmers seeking to safeguard their coffee crops and maintain consistent production throughout the season.

Soil Testing and Farm Productivity

Another key component of the Open Day was soil testing. Farmers were encouraged to test their soil to better understand nutrient levels and soil health. Experts explained how proper soil management and balanced fertilization contribute to healthier coffee plants and improved yields.

The session emphasized that understanding soil composition is one of the most important steps in transforming coffee farming into a sustainable and profitable business.

Strengthening Collaboration in the Coffee Sector

Beyond the demonstrations and technical sessions, the event also provided a platform for networking and collaboration among farmers, cooperatives, service providers, and industry stakeholders. Participants exchanged ideas, discussed challenges facing the coffee sector, and explored opportunities for partnerships that support farmer growth.

The gathering highlighted the importance of cooperation and knowledge sharing in strengthening Kenya’s coffee industry.

A Step Forward for Coffee Farming as a Business

The Coffee Farmers Open Day 2026 successfully achieved its goal of bringing farmers closer to knowledge, innovation, and market-oriented farming practices. By focusing on practical solutions and farmer empowerment, the event reinforced the importance of treating coffee farming not just as an agricultural activity, but as a viable and sustainable business.

With continued collaboration between farmers, cooperatives, and industry partners, initiatives like this Open Day play a crucial role in building a stronger and more resilient coffee sector in Kenya. ☕🌱

The countdown is on! The Coffee Farmers Open Day 2026 is happening on March 4th at Kipkelion Coffee Mill, Kericho, and we are excited to welcome all coffee farmers, agripreneurs, partners, and stakeholders.Organized by National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) in partnership with NICE, this year’s Open Day is themed “Coffee Farming as a Business.” The event is designed to empower farmers with practical knowledge, modern technologies, and market-oriented approaches that increase profitability and sustainability.

What to Expect

Participants will benefit from:

Plant clinic and practical farming tips

Coffee farming equipment demonstrations

Disease and pest management guidance

Soil testing services

Processing machinery showcases

This is a unique opportunity to interact with industry experts, service providers, and fellow farmers while learning how to improve productivity and quality.

📍 Venue: Kipkelion Coffee Mill, Kericho

📅 Date: March 4th, 2026

🎟 Entry: FREE

Come ready to learn, connect, and grow your coffee enterprise. Let’s transform coffee farming into a thriving business together!

For reservations and inquiries:

📞 0724 553 437 / 0705 903 377

📧 nicecoffeeexpo@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you there!