Governor Bii launches distribution of 157,000 coffee seedlings to farmers

Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim on Thursday launched the distribution of 157,000 quality coffee seedlings to farmers in Turbo Sub-county, a move expected to establish approximately 157 acres of coffee as the County rolls-out its ambitious one-million coffee seedling programme for 2026.

The launch, held at Tiret Hospital and Leseru Chief’s Office, builds on more than 1.2 million coffee seedlings previously distributed across the county.

Speaking during the exercise, Governor Bii reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the coffee sector beyond seedling distribution.

“Our focus is not just on giving farmers seedlings. We are strengthening the entire coffee value chain through farmer training, extension support, cooperative development, processing, and value addition,” said Governor Bii, who announced that each coffee cooperative will receive a coffee pulper to improve post-harvest handling, coffee quality, and local processing.

This will enable our farmers to retain more value from their produce and improve their earnings,” he added.

Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea highlighted the administration’s efforts to expose farmers to best practices in coffee production.

“Through Governor Bii’s leadership, our farmers and cooperative leaders have benchmarked in Kiambu County, learning best practices in coffee production, processing, value addition, cooperative management, and marketing,” said Kapkea.

Uasin Gishu currently has about 1,200 hectares under coffee, while farmers in Soy Sub-County generated more than Sh50 million in coffee sales in 2025, demonstrating the growing economic potential of the crop.

The 2026 programme, themed “Brewing Prosperity: Enhancing the Coffee Value Chain for Sustainable Economic Empowerment,” is being implemented across all six sub-counties as part of Governor Bii’s Nguzo Kumi development agenda, with agriculture as the first pillar.

Also present were CECMs Anthony Sitienei, Dr. Philip Chebunet, and Loice Murey; Tapsagoi Ward MCA Nicholas Bitok Rende; and Chief Officers Eng. Abraham Kiptalam and Mark Some, alongside farmers, cooperative leaders, and other county officials.

 By Maurice Aluda