Coffee farming in Machakos County is experiencing revival following government intervention through cash injection and distribution of seedlings to Farmer Societies.

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti who graced the 103^rd International Cooperatives Day at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos said the County government had so far supported coffee farmers with over Sh 72 Million and seedlings to revive coffee farming.

She urged farmers to venture into value addition and marketing to remain competitive.

“Coffee farming in Machakos has experienced revival and I urge farmers to venture into value addition for maximum benefits,” said Governor Wavinya.

She said Machakos was among counties with a vibrant cooperative movement with 339 registered cooperatives with a Sh 3.5 billion annual turnover adding that the cooperatives needed to be protected and empowered.

Coffee Cooperatives awarded at the event included Mukuyuni Farmers, Matungulu Farmers, Kasinga Farmers, and Muisuni Farmers Cooperatives. Others were; Kaliluni Farmers Cooperative which emerged as County-based overall best while

New Mitaboni was ranked as best improved, Moko Sacco, Mavoko EPZ Sacco, Machakos University Sacco and Kakuyuni Farmers Rural Sacco were also awarded with certificates and trophies.

Machakos Cooperatives Union Chairman Mr Patrick Katingima said there was need to develop and nurture the cooperative movement in Machakos to depict its stature as the first Administrative unit in East Africa under the colonial rule.

He urged for more financial inclusivity and gender involvement.

He observed that many cooperatives faced credibility issues. “We need protection so that we don’t get into problems.The Cooperative law says we should not be political,” said Mr Katingima.

He said the County had been producing 2.6 million kilos annually which has now shot up to 6 million kilos.

Coffee production in the County is projected to increase to 24 Million kilos in the next two years as a result of the free seedlings distributed by the County government.