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| Maragua MP Elias Mbau, Murang’a Farmers Co-operative Union General Manager Ephantus Wanjohi and Councillor Nelson Kariuki of Maragua Town as they toured a coffee milling plant. [PHOTO: BONIFACE GIKANDI/STANDARD] |
By BONIFACE GIKANDI
Coffee farmers are accusing the Coffee Board of Kenya ( CBK) of failing to take decisive steps to stem theft of dried coffee beans.
Their representatives from Murang’a County lamented that CBK management was serving the interests of some of the directors.
They claimed that some of those appointed are international coffee dealers thus failing to address pertinent issues affecting the sector.
During a meeting attended by MPs from coffee growing areas, the farmers said coffee theft remained a major problem in the sector, but CBK was mum on the vice.
At the same time, they pleaded with Parliament to make amendments in the board’s Act to allow them participate fully in matters pertaining to marketing of their produce and election of directors.
Demanded explanation
The farmers’ representatives led by Murang’a Farmers Cooperative Union Chairman Francis Njinjo demanded explanation from the Government on electoral areas represented by the embattled directors, as they remain unknown to farmers they claim to represent.
They said the sector continued to be exploited with stakeholders having nobody to turn to despite myriad challenges.
“How can the regulator be a player in the industry? That means the farmers’ interests are not represented in the board,” said Njinjo.
In a meeting attended by MPs Elias Mbau (Maragua), Clement Wambugu (Mathioya) and Muturi Mwangi (Kiharu), the farmers accused the Ministry of Agriculture of meddling.
They claimed the ministry has been imposing dealers on them as appointed directors.
