The government has allocated a budget of Ksh 18.5 million for coffee revitalization in the financial year 2025/2026. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, the Cabinet Secretary for MSMEs and Cooperative Development, disclosed this in response to Senator Veronica Maina’s question in the Senate regarding the revival plan for Kimuri Coffee Factory.
Dr. Oparanya said that part of the funds would support the revitalization of operations within the Coffee Cooperative Society. The factory, which is under the Kimuri Farmers Cooperative Society, has remained inactive due to unsustainable operations caused by low membership, reduced coffee production, and poor governance.
To get back on track, the factory needs drying tables, reconnection of electricity, and other coffee-pulping machinery and facilities. “The Ministry, in collaboration with the County Government of Murang’a, plans to conduct fresh elections to reconstitute the management committee, build capacity for the newly elected committee, and sensitize coffee farmers in the area about the importance of utilizing the services of the Cooperative,” said Dr. Oparanya.
He also noted that the government will ensure the reconnection of electricity to both the coffee factory and the surrounding coffee farmers, as well as the reconstruction of drying tables and servicing of other essential equipment and facilities.
Dr. Oparanya said the Ministry, in collaboration with other government ministries, departments, and agencies, is working on implementing the Coffee Revitalization Strategy to enhance the sustainability of the factory and the coffee sector as a whole.
