The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
Coffee farmers affiliated to the Rui Ruiru Factory in Mathira, Nyeri County, have received a boost after signing a deal to sell natural coffee through the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (New KPCU).
Rui Ruiru was one of four coffee factories affiliated to Mathira North Cooperative Society, but has since split from the other after years of protests over management.
Under the MoU, the farmers will deliver their natural coffee to the New KPCU who will mill and market their produce.
The coffee termed as natural has not undergone pulping after harvest, and will be sold at an agreed price of Sh70 per kilo of red ripe cherry.
The initially agreed upon amount to be delivered by the farmers is 50,000kg.
Crowd Farm Africa will be the exporter of the natural coffee from Rui Ruiru while offering the requisite technical expertise needed in the production of natural coffee and Jamii Coffee LLC in USA will be the buyer of the coffee.
Crowd Farm Africa officer Samuel Wachieni said the natural coffee is highly sought after as high quality coffee which had not undergone any processing.
“This agreement helps the farmers sell their coffee with reduced costs such as those of water, equipment and labour while producing a unique type of coffee that is now much sought after,” he noted.
Wachieni explained that farmers whose equipment was dilapidated, and would cost Sh4 million to repair, needed a way to sell their coffee so they could generate substantial income.
New KPCU Chairperson Henry Kinyua affirmed the organization’s support to the realization of the new vision for coffee farmers, saying these farmers could now access the Sh3 billion Coffee Cherry Fund.
Rui ruiru Secretary Joshua Wangombe said the society had 300 farmers registered but very few were active.
“There have been wrangles between Rui Ruiru and Mathira North, and it has taken years to finally split and chart our own path, we are hoping this agreement will convince more farmers to join us,” Wambugu said.
Rui-Ruiru’s Chairman Charles Maina Njuguna said he was ecstatic to witness a new chapter for the factory and its farmers.
Premium Article
Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.
Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us.
Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.
Journalism can't be free because the truth demands investment.
At The Standard, we invest time, courage and skills to bring you accurate,
factual and impactful stories. Subscribe today and stand with us in the
pursuit of credible journalism.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join