DP Gachagua announced on Tuesday that the government will forgive debts owed by coffee farmers’ cooperative societies and unions as part of efforts to rejuvenate the sub-sector.
Speaking in Kabare Village, Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County, DP Gachagua revealed that he had discussed the proposal with President Ruto, who endorsed the plan.
“The debts of coffee cooperatives, unions, and Saccos will be waived. I have spoken to the President, and he has agreed that similar to the waiver of debts for sugarcane farmers, it will apply to coffee farmers,” he said. “CS Simon Chelugui has been directed to prepare a memo to be presented to the cabinet for approval.”
DP Gachagua also announced that the Ministry of Cooperatives would soon disburse the second batch of the Cherry Fund to farmers at a rate of Ksh. 40 per kilo. He stressed the governments commitment to supporting farmers to increase cherry production and sales.
The DP has been leading reforms in the coffee, tea, and dairy sub-sectors to ensure that small-scale farmers earn higher incomes.
He noted that reforms in the tea sub-sector were already yielding positive results, with farmers experiencing increased income.
DP Gachagua made the remarks during the funeral service of his former teacher, Mwalimu Julius Kano Ndumbi, 73, at Kianyaga High School. Mr. Ndumbi, who served as the Principal of Kianyaga High School during the DP’s time as a student, was eulogized as an educationist and disciplinarian who shaped the lives of many young people.
Reflecting on the news of Mr. Ndumbi’s passing, DP Gachagua shared that he was in the midst of a seven-day period of fasting, prayer, and meditation in Mt. Kenya forest without any means of communication.
The DP was accompanied by various leaders including Senators Kamau Murango and Veronica Maina, as well as MPs Njeri Maina, Mary Wamaua, and Gachoki Gitari
