TAITA TAVETA – The County Government of Taita Taveta is intensifying efforts to revive coffee farming across the Taita, Mwatate, and Voi sub-counties. As part of this initiative, the local administration is set to receive and distribute 68,750 high-yielding, disease-resistant coffee seedlings to farmers free of charge. The drive targets both returning coffee growers and those expanding acreage in viable ecological zones.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Katuu Mzenge, emphasized that the department is prioritizing comprehensive support to rebuild the region’s coffee value chain. Speaking at Mbauro in Wundanyi Sub-County, Mzenge noted that coffee production has declined significantly over the years. The revived focus aims to restore the cash crop as a reliable source of household income through enhanced extension services, technical assistance, and the rehabilitation of local processing machinery.
“We want to make coffee profitable again for our farmers. This is about restoring livelihoods,” Mzenge stated, while also urging farmers to utilize the current rainy season to prepare their land for planting.
To ensure long-term success, agricultural officers are conducting baseline site evaluations. Patric Mwalugha, the Extension Officer for Wundanyi-Mbale Ward, reported that officers are actively visiting farms to test soil suitability and introduce modern agronomic practices designed to boost yields.
Mwalugha highlighted that while various coffee varieties exist, local conditions dictate specific choices. He noted that the Ruiru 11 variety performs best in Taita Taveta due to its disease resistance and fast maturation period. Local farmers who accompanied county officials during the Mbauro visit welcomed the initiative, expressing gratitude for the technical support and renewed focus on the sector.
