Java to buy 10,000 bags of coffee directly from farmers

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's European tour has yielded fruits after the European Union gave Kenya a grant of 72 million Euros (about Sh11.4 billion).

At the same time, Gachagua inked a deal with Java Coffee Company for the purchase of 10,000 bags of coffee directly from farmers.

The EU grant was given under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument, to fund priority areas in green transition for environmental sustainability and resilience, human development and digital inclusion (Leave No One Behind), and democratic governance, peace and security.

The agreement on Multi-Annual Action Plan 2023-2024 was signed by the Deputy President and the EU Commissioner for International Partnership, Jutta Urpilainen on the side-lines of the Global Gateway Forum 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.

Gachagua who is representing President William Ruto at the summit welcomed the grant, saying it underscored a strong shared vision for a partnership "that is best for our people and a future where our nation transitions into a green economy and environmental sustainability."

"Kenya and the European Union continue to flourish, bringing about positive change and shared prosperity," he said.

In the deal signed between Gachagua and Java Coffee Company CEO Kathleen Claes, the firm committed to buying 700 tonnes of premium coffee directly from farmers.

"Our primary focus rests on supporting Kenyan women farmers and cooperatives, recognising their invaluable contributions to the global coffee landscape," read the statement issue by the two.

The deal, described as historic was signed at Java Coffee Company in Rotselaar.

Gachagua and Claes expressed hope that the deal will not only invigorate the sector but also Kenya coffee beans.