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Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui (pictured) suggested a price of Sh230 per kilo for parchment coffee.

This proposal by the CS who is also in charge of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development, sparked outrage among farmers who argued that the amount falls significantly short of the production costs and the labour involved in cultivating high-quality parchment coffee.

Farmers, expressed their discontent and insisted on a fair price of Sh560, emphasizing the increasing cost of production.

Jeze Maiz, a farmer, stated, “It’s a slap in the face! We demand a fair price of Sh560. Asking us to accept Sh230 is an insult to our hard work.”

An official of the Kenya Farmers Association (KFA), Kipkorir arap Menjo, highlighted the need for government intervention to streamline the coffee sector, protecting farmers from exploitation by middlemen.

Menjo emphasized the importance of farmers having a say in determining the prices for their produce. Chelugui’s suggestion that farmers sell their coffee through co-operatives further fuelled discontent, with many farmers perceiving it as a loss of control and potential for exploitation by unscrupulous middlemen. John Murei, a farmer, expressed his concern, stating,

“Through co-operatives, we fear we will end up being taken advantage of, and the middlemen reap the real profits.”

Chelugui explained the government’s rationale, citing market fluctuations and global economic challenges. He stressed the need for compromise and collaboration between farmers and the government for a sustainable solution.

Meanwhile, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has asked coffee cooperative societies in the area to embrace digital payments to their members. He urged an end to cash transactions in the cooperative societies, citing concerns about fictitious and dubious dealings.

Speaking at Musese Coffee Mill in Chwele, Lusaka recalled a recent incident where Nakoyonjo Coffee Factory lost Sh25 million after officials withdrew cash that was subsequently stolen.The county boss regretted that up to now no farmer had been paid

“Up to date, the farmers who delivered their coffee have never been paid,” he lamented, suggesting the theft was an “inside job disguised as a robbery.”