The Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) has partnered with Solidaridad, an international marketing organisation, for a market linkage coffee cupping session aimed at expanding the coffee market, increasing the farmers’ income, promoting sustainable land use, and tackling climate change.
Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Wycliffe Oparanya said that the NCE plays a critical role by providing the market platform for coffee buyers and sellers, which is vital for the country’s economy, especially the GDP.
“It is essential to recognise the significant role that coffee plays in our economy and in the livelihoods of countless farmers and small-scale producers,” stressed Oparanya.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Patrick Kilemi, the CS noted that the main topic of discussion in the event is to give the government’s position on the European Union (EU)-India compliance and market linkages in the coffee industry.
He cited the European Union Deforestation Regulation as a vital framework aimed at combating deforestation and promoting sustainable practices in the production of commodities, including coffee.
Additionally, Oparanya argued that the compliance of EU-India is not only a regulatory requirement but also a commitment to preserving the environment and ensuring the long-term viability of the coffee industry.
“To achieve compliance, we must focus on sustainable farming practices, encouraging our farmers to adopt and scale up practices that have minimum environmental impact and promote biodiversity,” urged Oparanya, while stressing a need for transparency in implementing robust traceability systems that ensure coffee is sourced from deforestation-free areas.
Further, the CS insisted on the government’s collaboration with both international partners, non-governmental organisations, and certification bodies in order to align its efforts with global sustainability goals.
“While we await the confirmation of the EU-India extension, we are optimistic that it will be granted. Kenya is looking forward to complying 100 per cent,” he asserted.
He at the same time highlighted that the government agencies and certification bodies are strengthening and supporting coffee market linkages from farmers to consumers through fair trade promotion, sustainability, and capacity building.
“We must organise our farmers, especially in cooperatives, to produce groups that can help farmers negotiate better prices, access training on agronomical practices, build their capacities, and achieve economies of scale,” advised the CS.
Oparanya added that the farmers must be trained in post-harvest handling and quality control to enhance marketability, and through market access information, farmers can be provided with real-time data on prices, demand trends, and quality requirements that help them make informed and profitable decisions.
“We must establish fair trade networks, where we link up fair trade organisations to ensure ethical sourcing and better incomes for our farmers,” he urged, adding that certification programs must be embraced by farmers for easy access to markets.
The CS also encouraged the use of digital platforms such as e-commerce and mobile-based apps that can directly connect farmers to buyers in order to reduce middlemen in the value chain, with the aim of improving market leakages and having better prices and higher incomes, as well as reducing dependency on middlemen.
He stated that his ministry undertakes market diversity to expand opportunities for small-scale producers internationally, an intervention he insists aims to strengthen the market leakages.
Further, Oparanya applauded the effort by the private sector through the certification bodies such as Fair Trade Solidaridad for creating awareness about better farming practices, climate change, inclusivity, and market access.
“By embracing EU compliance and strengthening market leakages, we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for coffee farmers and the industry at large,” voiced Oparanya.
He urged farmers to collaborate and protect the environment and meet the growing demand for high-quality coffee in a sustainably sourced environment.
In her remarks, Nairobi Coffee Exchange Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lisper Ndung’u said that the organisation has highlighted the goal of helping the farmers access the global coffee markets.
Ndung’u underscored that the team reflects not only the aspirations of the coffee growing community but also the collective responsibility shared in ensuring growth, resilience, and sustainability in the coffee industry.
“Kenya’s coffee sector is more than just an economic contributor. It is a heritage, a culture, and the lifeline for millions in our country. Our growers who nurture every coffee bean with care and expertise are the heartbeats of our industry and this sector,” she opined.
The CS highlighted challenges faced by coffee farmers, including market volatility, limited access to funds, inadequate support systems in terms of fertiliser and inputs, and changing climate patterns.
“Our focus must remain firmly on enabling coffee growers to access and thrive in a competitive global market. Supporting market access is no longer optional; it’s imperative,” stressed Ndung’u, adding that fostering transparency and enhancing farmer empowerment, togetherness, and the potential of Kenyan coffee to secure its place as a global leader in quality and sustainability can be unlocked.
“At the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, we are committed to providing a market platform for all our coffee farmers, where we have an interaction with buyers who have local roots and even international roots,” she declared.
By Sharon Atieno
