Kericho County has unveiled a transformative coffee agroforestry initiative aimed at improving farmers’ incomes while promoting sustainable environmental practices. In partnership with the Cereal Growers Association (CGA), the program allows farmers to integrate coffee trees into their farms, providing both economic and ecological benefits. The signing ceremony was attended by Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, CGA Chairman Dr. Moses Mwenje, and Agriculture CECM Juliet Chirchir.
Under the initiative, CGA will operate freely across the county to support farmers in adopting agroforestry practices. Three key coffee-growing wards—Kunyak, Chilchila, and Kamasian—are already piloting the program. Governor Mutai highlighted its dual impact, noting that coffee planting improves farmers’ incomes while contributing to forest conservation, soil fertility, and climate change mitigation. Nearly 2,500 farmers in Kipkelion Ward have already benefited, with plans to expand the program to all 15 coffee-producing wards in Kericho.
Beyond coffee, the program introduces farmers to the financial potential of carbon credits. Trees integrated into farms are measured for their carbon storage, and each ton qualifies for carbon credits, currently valued at 46 euros per unit. This creates an additional source of income while enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change. Local farmers have welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a game-changer for livelihoods and sustainable agriculture. The Kericho County Government and CGA remain committed to training and resource support, positioning the program as a model for other counties aiming to combine agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship.