On Friday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua committed to eliminating cartels in the coffee sub-sector and collaborating with stakeholders to address the issues hurting farmers' income.

DP Gachagua stated that the administration would deal firmly with the numerous brokers and intermediaries in the coffee production chain to improve the farmers' plight.

"There are several intermediaries between the coffee farmer and the consumer." For many years, such mediators have oppressed farmers. "President William Ruto charged me with leading the effort to cut out the middlemen so farmers can reap more," stated the Deputy President.

PHOTO | COURTESY DP Gachagua

Gachagua announced a three-day coffee stakeholders' meeting in Meru to solve the sector's difficulties after introducing a bus at St Benedict Wamutitu Secondary School in Mukurweini, Nyeri County.

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Mukurweini National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) acquired the bus.

According to the DP, the coffee conference will be held in Meru from June 6 to 8, 2023, with government officials, parliamentarians, Governors, coffee producers, specialists, marketers, and roasters among those anticipated to attend.

President Ruto charged the DP with spearheading the coffee sector reforms championed by the Coffee Sub-Sector Reforms Implementation Standing Committee in January.

Nyeri Deputy Governor David Kinaniri and MPs Wambugu Wainaina (Othaya), Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia Woman Representative), Patrick Munene (Chuka Igamba-Ng'ombe), and Dr Robert Pukose (Endebess) accompanied the Deputy President.

Members of the Nyeri County Assembly and national government administrative personnel were also present.

PHOTO | COURTESY President Ruto

The leaders praised the government's ongoing battle against illicit brews in the Central Kenya region.

The Deputy President also requested that chiefs and their helpers put in a greater effort for the exercise.

He stated that hesitant administrators and those accepting payments from illegal brew sellers risk losing their jobs for failing to carry out their mission.

"I do not want them to lose their jobs but if they fail we will have to part ways. I cannot allow a situation where we will lose a generation because of illicit brews," he said.

"Stop associating with those operating the illicit brews and illegal alcohol. Those bribing you will dump and avoid you once you lose your job."