By John Kariuki
For over 27 years, coffee farmers in Kiambu have endured financial struggles, poor prices, and systemic challenges that threatened their livelihoods. But today, thanks to relentless efforts and unwavering advocacy, these farmers are finally seeing the fruits of their labor. Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, the Member of Parliament for Githunguri, has been at the forefront of this fight, ensuring coffee farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work.
On this significant day, farmers at Kaimbu Factory under the Komothai Cooperative Society received their fourth payout for 2024 at an impressive rate of KSh 112 per kilogram. This marks a major victory in the long struggle to restore dignity and profitability to coffee farming in the region.
Hon. Wamuchomba has consistently fought for reforms in the coffee sector, advocating for transparent payment structures, direct market access, and policies that prioritize farmers over middlemen. Through her efforts, Komothai Cooperative Society has successfully implemented better pricing mechanisms, allowing farmers to earn more than they have in decades.
A detailed breakdown of recent payouts at Kaimbu Factory highlights the remarkable progress made. Farmers received KSh 73 per kilogram for their early crop in December 2024, while the main crop payout today reached KSh 112 per kilogram. In November 2024, Mbuni coffee fetched an impressive KSh 208 per kilogram. Looking ahead, projections for the early crop in November 2025 stand at KSh 54.5 per kilogram, while the May 2024 main crop paid out KSh 71.5 per kilogram. Mbuni coffee from May 2024 secured a strong price of KSh 198 per kilogram.
These figures reflect a positive transformation in the coffee sector, where farmers are no longer at the mercy of exploitative systems but are now empowered to reap the rewards of their dedication.
Hon. Wamuchomba has long maintained that coffee farming must remain a viable and lucrative business for the people of Kiambu. Her advocacy has centered on ensuring fair pricing, timely payments, and eliminating cartels that have historically shortchanged farmers. By strengthening cooperative societies like Komothai, she has helped create a model of success that can be replicated across the country.
Speaking on the latest payout, Hon. Wamuchomba reaffirmed her commitment to the cause:
“This is why I fight so hard for our coffee farmers. They have been exploited for far too long. Today, they can finally smile knowing their sweat and hard work are being rewarded. This is just the beginning—we will not stop until every coffee farmer in Kiambu and beyond enjoys the full benefits of their labor.”
With her tireless efforts, Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba has reignited hope among coffee farmers. The future of coffee in Kiambu looks brighter than ever, and with continued reforms, farmers can confidently invest in their farms, increase production, and secure better futures for their families.