Nandi County government has launched a major campaign to revive coffee production as a reliable source of livelihood for local farmers. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to support smallholder farmers and strengthen the county’s economic transformation agenda.
According to CECM for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kiplimo Arap Lagat, the county is focusing on expanding coffee production in suitable agro-ecological zones across the northern and southern coffee belts. Measures include mapping, profiling, registration, and farmer training. We are working with coffee researchers and cooperatives to propagate over 2 million seedlings this year, Dr. Lagat said.
The northern belt covers Chepterwai, Ndalat, Kipkaren, Kabisaga, and Lelmokwo, while the southern belt includes Ol’lessos, Kapchorwa, Tinderet, SonghorSoba, and Kapsimotwo. Farmers who had abandoned coffee due to low and inconsistent prices are being encouraged to return to the crop.
John Kiptoo, a local farmer, noted that exploitation by brokers and volatile market prices had forced many farmers to diversify into other crops. Dr. Lagat urged them to remain resilient and leverage the county’s support.
The department is also promoting high-yield value chains such as dairy, avocado, and tea farming in central regions including Mosop, Emgwen, Aldai, Chesumei, and Nandi Hills. With over 10 active cooperative societies remaining, the county plans to strengthen farmer organizations to enhance productivity and market access.
Coffee farming in Nandi dates back to the 1960s, introduced by the British, and the county was among Kenya’s top producers between 1990 and 2000. With the new revival strategy, Nandi aims to restore its status as a leading coffee-producing region while boosting income and livelihoods for its residents.