The Kenyan government has unveiled an ambitious plan to distribute 20 million certified coffee seedlings annually as part of a comprehensive strategy to revive the country’s struggling coffee sector and restore its global competitiveness.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, is being championed by Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi, who has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scaling up coffee production, strengthening cooperatives, and deepening sector reforms.
Speaking on the plan, PS Kilemi noted that the distribution of certified seedlings forms a key pillar of the government’s broader coffee sector transformation agenda. He emphasized that the focus is not only on increasing acreage but also on improving productivity, governance, and coordinated service delivery across both national and county levels.
For years, Kenya’s coffee production has steadily declined due to aging coffee trees, low yields, governance challenges within cooperatives, fluctuating global prices, and limited access to quality farm inputs. The new seedling distribution programme directly addresses one of the sector’s most pressing concerns: the need to replace old, low-yielding bushes with improved, disease-resistant varieties.
The 20 million seedlings earmarked for distribution include high-performing varieties such as Ruiru 11 and Batian, known for their resistance to Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) and Coffee Leaf Rust. These certified seedlings are expected to significantly improve yields per acre while maintaining Kenya’s reputation for premium-quality coffee in the international market.
According to PS Kilemi, strengthening producer organizations remains central to the revival strategy. He underscored the importance of deepening governance reforms within cooperatives to ensure transparency, accountability, and better returns for farmers. The ministry is also working to enhance coordination between national and county governments to guarantee seamless implementation of coffee development programmes.
Smallholder farmers, who account for the majority of Kenya’s coffee production, stand to benefit most from the initiative. Distribution efforts are being coordinated through county governments and agricultural extension officers to ensure that seedlings are properly allocated and planted under recommended agronomic practices.
Beyond boosting production, the programme is expected to stimulate rural economies, increase household incomes, and enhance Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings. Coffee remains one of the country’s key export crops, and a successful revival could contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation.
PS Kilemi reiterated that restoring Kenya’s global competitiveness in coffee will require strong cooperatives, sound policy implementation, and strategic partnerships across the value chain. He described the seedling distribution plan as laying “a firm foundation” for long-term sector stability and prosperity.
