NACCU Honors the Legacy of Cooperative Leader Patrick Katingima
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.
