Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has unequivocally conveyed the government’s stance on dealing with the pervasive issue of coffee cartels in Kenya. While addressing concerns during a recent interview, he affirmed that the government was prepared to engage in discussions with these influential groups. However, this willingness comes with certain conditions that must be met to ensure the protection of the country’s vital coffee industry.
Gachagua’s comments were prompted by his previous statements made during a visit to Nyeri, where he expressed the challenges faced by the government in combating the coffee cartels. He clarified that these challenges did not imply a lack of options but rather highlighted the complexity of the issue. The government, he emphasized, has a mandate to safeguard the interests of Kenyan farmers, particularly those in the coffee sector.
One of the critical conditions set by the government is a commitment from the coffee cartels to increase the price they pay to coffee farmers. This demand underscores the government’s dedication to improving the livelihoods of coffee growers who have long been exploited by these cartels. By securing better compensation for coffee farmers, the government aims to create a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry.
Gachagua also pointed out the potential consequences if the government were to succumb to pressure from the coffee cartels. Farmers, he warned, might resort to uprooting coffee plants and transitioning to more profitable crops like macadamia or avocado. Such a shift would not only undermine the coffee industry but also have adverse effects on the country’s foreign exchange earnings, as coffee has historically been a significant export commodity for Kenya.
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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s statements reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the issue of coffee cartels in Kenya. While they are open to dialogue, this openness is contingent on the cartels’ willingness to increase coffee prices for farmers. The government’s primary goal remains the protection of its farmers and the preservation of its coffee industry, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economy.