Hope for farmers as Taita Taveta embarks on coffee revival plan

Farmers in Taita Taveta County have welcomed a government-backed programme to revive the region’s collapsed coffee industry, raising hopes of restoring a crop that once defined the local economy.

Many of the county’s more than 5,200 coffee growers abandoned their plantations between 2017 and 2018 after years of poor earnings, pest attacks, and unstable markets.

The destructive white-headed borer and plummeting coffee prices dealt the final blow to an industry that had thrived for decades.

“We gave up because it was no longer making sense. Managing coffee became too expensive, yet prices kept dropping. If this programme is serious and farmers are supported directly, many of us are ready to start again,” said Joseph Mwakesi

A retired teacher, Daniel Mwashuma, said reviving coffee would not only benefit households but also bring back community pride.

“Coffee was once the backbone of this county. We used to pay school fees and build houses from it. If the government can control pests and ensure good prices, people will return to the farms,” he noted.

Others, however, urged caution. Beatrice Mshai said farmers had been promised reforms before, but little changed.

“Officials come and talk a lot, but when it comes to inputs and markets, we are left alone. This time we want action, not just words,” she said.

For younger farmers, the revival presents an opportunity to create jobs. Lucy Mwashighadi said, “Many young people are unemployed. If coffee becomes profitable again, it can employ us and keep us away from idleness and bad habits.”

Against this backdrop, county officials are working with national agencies to map out coffee revival strategies.

So far, three of the county’s four sub-counties have been identified as highly suitable for coffee cultivation, presenting fresh opportunities for a strong comeback.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Katuu Mzenge, hosted a multi-sectoral delegation from Nairobi, including officials from the Kenya Space Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and the Agriculture and Food Authority’s Coffee Directorate.

The team is in Taita Taveta for a week-long engagement and data collection exercise to align local farmers with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which sets strict traceability requirements for accessing premium international markets.

“As we talk about production, we must link seedlings, factories, and markets. Our farmers need access to high-quality seedlings so that we can increase yields and restore Taita Taveta’s reputation for producing some of the best coffee in Kenya,” Mzenge said.

Chief Officer for Agriculture, Mcharo Mwalugha, stressed the importance of sensitising farmers on adopting a commercial approach.

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“Coffee farming should not only be for subsistence but for commercial purposes. With the right support, we can transform coffee into a sustainable source of income for our farmers,” he said.

According to Pascal Vikoto, Chairperson of the Taita Farmers Cooperative Society, coffee farming in the county dates back to the 1900s, when six factories operated in Rong’e, Wundanyi, Werugha, Mghange, Chawia, and Mrughua. At its peak, the county produced class two beans nationally, with low milling losses.

However, the combination of declining prices and pest invasions forced the sector into collapse. Vikoto believes the current mapping exercise could be the first real step towards rebuilding confidence among farmers.

From the Kenya Space Agency, Zipporah Njeri said the mapping would help meet EUDR compliance and address traceability issues.

“This exercise is meant to ensure that Taita Taveta’s coffee meets international regulations, unlocking opportunities in premium markets,” she explained.