Patmoz
By Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya – August 7, 2025
Hon. Wangui Ngirici has called on the government to urgently address the challenges facing coffee farmers in Kenya, describing the crop as a cornerstone of the country’s rural economy and national heritage.
Speaking during a farmers’ consultative meeting in Nakuru, the former Kirinyaga Woman Representative – who was invited by local and Kirinyaga-based farmer leaders – said coffee farming must be protected from political interference and poorly thought-out policies.
Ngirici criticized recent proposals suggesting farmers be paid individually for their produce without considering variations in coffee grades and types. She termed such approaches as unrealistic and disconnected from the realities on the ground.
She emphasized that coffee is more than a cash crop – it is a lifeline for many households, especially in rural areas. She warned that mishandling the sector could lead to economic instability and social unrest.
Ngirici assured farmers that she would personally forward their concerns to top government officials, including her upcoming meeting with her CEO, and push for solutions that reflect the views of those on the ground.
She urged the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and other key players to engage directly with farmer representatives and cooperative leaders to design workable policies.
“Let coffee be returned to its rightful owners – the farmers. This is not about politics; it’s about protecting livelihoods and securing our economy,” she said.
Ngirici also stressed the importance of public participation in decision-making, warning that continued disregard of farmer voices could result in widespread dissatisfaction.
Her remarks come at a time when tensions in the coffee sector have been rising over pricing, payment delays, and proposed reforms that many growers feel were imposed without consultation.
Shadrack Nyakoe
