Machakos County is rekindling its nearly dormant coffee sector courtesy of Sh72 million investment done by the county governor Wavinya Ndeti.

The program was launched earlier this week, which spells a new era in the lives of thousands of small-scale farmers in the area.

Machakos had been a powerhouse in coffee production but had been on the decline continuously. Many farmers had deserted their bushes due to years of neglect, poor returns, and unsuccessful cooperatives.

However, the county is making a turnaround. Through this program, which was launched in a public event on Monday, more than 3,000 farmers in regions such as Kangundo, Kathiani, and Matungulu will start getting the necessary inputs, namely fertilizers, foliar feed, and pesticides

Robusta seedlings are also being availed to promote replanting and lure young farmers into the value chain.

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The project is centered on the promise of providing consistent income, that is, farmers are now assured of Sh80 per kilogram of which half the amount is paid once it is delivered and the rest within a month.

The government is auditing and making coffee cooperatives stronger in order to establish long term trust. It will enhance control of farmers over their income and activities.

There are also extension officers at the ground providing practical training in climate smart farming and post-harvest handling.

Governor Ndeti explains that the county is recovering the pride of coffee farming. What she means is clear: “We are not trying to give handouts, we are creating a system that works.”

If the rollout continues as planned, the program which was initiated in the middle of July has the potential of becoming a genuine game changer to Machakos coffee growers