Kericho emerges as Kenya's new coffee hub

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai distributes coffee seedlings to members of Kichawir Cooperative Society in Chepseon ward, Kipkelion East constituency, on April 21, 2025. [.Nikko Tanui, Standard] 

A quiet revolution is unfolding in Kericho County, where expansive maize fields are steadily giving way to flourishing coffee plantations — marking a significant shift in the region’s agricultural landscape.

According to a report by the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (New KPCU), Kericho now contributes approximately 10 per cent of Kenya’s total coffee output, establishing itself as one of the country’s fastest-growing coffee-producing zones.

The results are already visible. The Torsogek Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Society was recently recognised as the best-performing coffee cooperative in the county.

Its chairperson, Fridah Muigon, revealed that the society paid a total of Sh190 per kilogramme of coffee cherry to its 379 members — Sh100 as a first payment and Sh90 as a second — for a total of 41,928 kilograms delivered.

“In total, our members earned at least Sh3.9 million last season. Encouraged by the returns, we are now targeting 70,000 kilogrammes this coming season,” said Muigon.

This agricultural shift is being actively driven by the Kericho County Government, under the leadership of Governor Erick Mutai.

The administration recently launched an ambitious coffee farming campaign to encourage farmers in Kipkelion East, Kipkelion West, Ainamoi, and Soin/Sigowet constituencies to embrace the high-value cash crop.

Speaking in Maili Tano during the distribution of 10,000 coffee seedlings to local farmers, Governor Mutai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the acreage under coffee.

“Kericho is now ranked fifth among the top coffee-producing counties in Kenya. Our goal is to empower our farmers through coffee farming, boost household incomes, and uplift rural livelihoods,” said Mutai.

Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei has also championed the cause by distributing 60,000 seedlings over the last two years to vulnerable families, including single mothers and widows.