Coffee reforms nearly triple what the farmer earns per kilo

Kenyan coffee is among the most sought-after in the world, yet the farmer growing it was earning around Sh60 per kilo of cherry while brokers, marketing agents and millers took the value.

What changed

• The Direct Settlement System now pays the farmer directly, with proceeds landing in the farmer's account rather than passing through intermediaries.
• Licensing was cleaned up and the broker-marketer conflict of interest was broken up.
• The Cherry Advance Revolving Fund was recapitalised so farmers are not forced into distress sales.

Farmers now earn Sh110 to Sh160 per kilo — close to a tripling of farm-gate income. The coffee did not change. The people taking the money did.