Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has announced that the country is looking to increase coffee production by 49,000 metric tons (MT) to revive the sub-sector.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said the country produces 51,000 metric tons (MT) of coffee annually.

Recognizing the pivotal role of coffee in our economic growth and its significant support to over 5 million Kenyans involved in the whole coffee value chain, we’ve undertaken strategic initiatives to enhance production,” Mwaura said.

The government has already disbursed Kes 6 billion for coffee farmers to support this, which will go into the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund and production.

Mwaura said the distribution began on Monday in Makueni County and will be extended to all 37 coffee-producing counties.

“Today, the distribution will also be done in the counties of Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Kirinyaga County and Murang’a,” he said.