Nandi County has unveiled sweeping reforms in its coffee sector aimed at protecting farmers, enhancing cooperative governance, and positioning Nandi Coffee as a premium global brand. County Executive for Agriculture and Cooperative Development, Dr. Kiplimo Arap Lagat, announced a series of nine directives covering marketing, licensing, cooperative management, and adherence to international standards. Key measures include outlawing cherry trading outside licensed cooperatives and estates, as well as enforcing strict nursery guidelines to curb fake seedlings, which have long undermined productivity. Enforcement will be led by county coffee inspectors in collaboration with the National Police Service and the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA).
The reforms also feature the operationalization of the Nandi Coffee Mill in Tinderet, the establishment of SACCOs across all 30 wards to improve credit access, and the launch of a Geographical Indication roadmap to brand and protect Nandi Coffee globally. Farmers are now required to source seedlings exclusively from licensed nurseries, ensuring higher quality and improved yields. The move comes after years of unregulated cherry trading and counterfeit seedlings, which have reduced farmers’ incomes and hampered the county’s potential in international markets. By publishing a list of compliant cooperatives and nurseries, the county government aims to increase transparency and strengthen trust in the coffee value chain.
Local farmers have welcomed the reforms, describing them as a turning point for the sector. Cherry hawking has robbed us of our hard work for years. This crackdown is long overdue, said David Kiptoo of Mosoriot. Esther Chebet from Aldai added that certified nurseries will improve yields and household incomes. Looking ahead, Dr. Lagat said the county aims to build Nandi Coffee into a globally recognized brand, enhance cooperative governance, and ensure farmers enjoy fair returns for their produce. The reforms are expected to increase productivity, reduce losses, and attract premium markets, positioning Nandi County as a model for coffee sector revitalization in Kenya.