By John Kariuki
The debate surrounding the revival of the Kimuri Coffee Factory has gained fresh momentum after Senator Veronica Maina raised concerns about the factory's future during a recent parliamentary session. The senator passionately emphasized the struggles of coffee farmers who have been left in limbo due to the factory’s collapse, urging the government to take decisive action.
In response, the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, Wycliffe Oparanya, addressed the key issues surrounding the factory’s decline and outlined possible interventions to restore its operations. He acknowledged the senator’s concerns and reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring coffee farmers receive the necessary support to rejuvenate the industry.
Kimuri Coffee Factory, once a beacon of economic prosperity for local coffee farmers, has faced numerous challenges, including financial mismanagement, declining production, and outdated infrastructure. The decline has severely impacted the livelihoods of many farmers who rely on coffee farming as their primary source of income.
Senator Maina, in her address, underscored the urgent need for intervention, stating, “Our farmers have been left struggling due to the mismanagement and inefficiencies that have crippled Kimuri Coffee Factory. This is a critical issue that demands immediate government action. We cannot allow such a vital institution to collapse.”
Oparanya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting coffee cooperatives across the country. He emphasized that the revival of Kimuri Coffee Factory aligns with the broader national agenda of revitalizing the coffee sector to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ earnings.
“The government is aware of the struggles facing Kimuri Coffee Factory and other similar cooperatives. We are committed to ensuring that coffee farmers get the necessary support, including financial assistance and technical expertise, to improve coffee processing and market access,” Oparanya stated.
He further outlined measures to address the factory’s challenges, including restructuring management, investing in modern equipment, and facilitating access to affordable credit for farmers. Additionally, he underscored the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and cooperative societies in creating a sustainable model for coffee production and marketing.
The response from Oparanya has been met with optimism from stakeholders, who believe that strategic interventions can breathe new life into the factory. However, Senator Maina cautioned against empty promises, urging the government to fast-track the proposed interventions. “Farmers have heard promises before, but they need action. I will continue to hold the Ministry accountable until we see tangible progress,” she asserted.
The government’s pledge to revive Kimuri Coffee Factory comes at a crucial time when the coffee industry is undergoing significant reforms aimed at boosting farmers’ earnings and eliminating exploitative middlemen. If the proposed measures are effectively implemented, Kimuri Coffee Factory could once again become a major contributor to Kenya’s coffee production, benefiting both farmers and the local economy.
As the conversation on coffee sector reforms continues, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Cooperatives and Senator Veronica Maina, who has vowed to keep the issue at the forefront of national discussions. Farmers and stakeholders now await the next steps, hoping that this renewed focus will bring about lasting solutions for the struggling coffee industry.
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