Kenya has earmarked 6 billion Kenyan shillings ($37.7 million) to boost its coffee sector, focusing on the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund and production. The funds, part of the government's commitment to sector reforms, commenced distribution in Makueni County and will reach all thirty seven coffee-producing counties, such as Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a. The initiative aims to secure a minimum return of $0.50 per kilo, up from $0.38. Recent reforms, including separating licenses for milling, brokerage and marketing, and buying, have contributed to increased sales, with the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) reporting improved transparency and farmer involvement in the value chain.
In further strides, the Nairobi Coffee Exchange is set to fall under the supervision of the Capital Markets Authority, part of broader reforms for enhanced farmer incomes and transparent coffee trading. The ongoing coffee reform agenda, transitioning the NCE to The Coffee Exchange, seeks to establish a fair and transparent trading mechanism for Kenya's coffee industry. The results indicate positive outcomes, with increased sales, higher average prices, and a record number of bags traded, underscoring the positive impact of the government's commitment to sector revitalization and transparency initiatives.