Ruto: Coffee earnings will rise to Ksh300 per kilo
By Sharon Atieno, June 22, 2026President William Ruto has said the government is working to increase coffee farmers’ earnings to between Ksh250 and Ksh300 per kilogramme as part of a broader plan to revive the struggling coffee sector and boost rural incomes.
Speaking in Kirinyaga on Monday, June 22, 2026 during the launch of the Coffee Revival Programme, Ruto said the new pricing strategy is aimed at restoring profitability in coffee farming and ensuring farmers get better returns from their labour.
“I called this meeting because we are not there yet. More things are coming. This price, in the near future, God willing, will rise to Ksh250 per kilo to even Ksh300,” he said.
“We have a plan to achieve this.”
From low earnings to recovery path
The President noted that when his administration took office, farmers were earning as low as Ksh50 or Ksh60 per kilogramme, but said the situation has gradually improved.
“Today we are at Ksh120, Ksh130, Ksh150 and now Ksh158. That is progress, but we are not satisfied,” Ruto said.
He stressed that the government’s priority is to ensure farmers benefit more than middlemen and brokers in the value chain.
Boosting production and expanding markets
Ruto said the strategy includes distribution of improved seedlings, modernisation of coffee factories, and opening up new coffee-growing regions across suitable areas.
He also announced plans to expand coffee farming into additional regions, including parts of the Rift Valley, as part of efforts to increase national output.
Reducing cost of production
The Head of State said lowering production costs remains key to improving farmer earnings, noting ongoing efforts to reduce prices of fertiliser and agrochemicals.
“Tunapunguza garama ya mbolea na madawa kwa bei nafuu ndio ihakikishe wakulima wanapata mazao,” he said.
Ksh18 billion fertilizer support
Ruto further revealed that the government has set aside Ksh18 billion in the 2026 budget to sustain subsidised fertiliser prices, aimed at ensuring farmers access affordable inputs.
He said the intervention is part of broader reforms to boost productivity and support the coffee revival agenda.
The President was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the tour of Kirinyaga County.