Coffee societies in Kiambu, united under the County Coffee Union, have rejected the new Direct Sale Settlement circular issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives. The directive, which requires farmers to receive payments directly from the auction, has triggered strong backlash. Stakeholders believe it endangers the coffee sector’s core structure.
The societies raised alarm this week, warning that the circular could destabilize the coffee payment system and undo the gains made through cooperative marketing. The union believes the directive could cripple operations and push the fragile industry toward collapse.
Union officials criticized the circular for ignoring the ground realities and downplaying the vital role of cooperative societies in coffee farming. These societies traditionally connect farmers to the market, handle logistics, and offer credit. Removing them, they warned, exposes farmers to greater risk.
A union representative explained, “Cutting societies out of payments will leave thousands of farmers stranded. Many depend on them for access to markets, pre-financing, and essential services. This change threatens their very survival.”
The protest comes amid wider government reforms meant to boost transparency, eliminate cartels, and raise farmer incomes. But Kiambu stakeholders argue that this directive does the opposite. They insist cooperative societies must stay central in coffee marketing and revenue sharing to protect small-scale farmers and ensure accountability.
Farmers expressed disappointment at being excluded from key decisions affecting their livelihoods. Many say the top-down approach lacks consultation and fails to reflect their day-to-day struggles.
“We were not consulted. Yet, we’ll bear the brunt of these changes. That’s not fair,” said a farmer from Githunguri.
The union has asked the Cabinet Secretary to withdraw the circular and launch inclusive dialogue with farmers and cooperative leaders. They argue that only collaborative, locally informed reforms can sustain the industry.
