Feisal Ahmed specialises in making Kahawa Chungu and Kahawa Tamu outside Fort Jesus in Mombasa. The two blends of coffee are popular drinks in Mombasa. [File, Standard]
The New KPCU strategic plan lays out a roadmap for building a resilient coffee industry.
Downward trend
New KPCU chairman Daniel Chemno said the organisation is keen to increase production and revive coffee farming.
"There is a need to ensure that our production increases. Over the last 30 years' coffee production has been on a downward trend," he said, pointing out output is now on an upward trajectory due to government support.
"We are looking to increase production by enhancing milling, warehousing and mechanic services.
"We are keen also to ensure that coffee becomes attractive to the young generations," he said, noting that the average Kenyan coffee farmer is aged 60 years.
Chemno said every part of the country viable for coffee farming should be utilised, with 33 counties already doing coffee farming.
Specific programme
The chairman said New KPCU faces challenges such as ageing machinery, consequently affecting the efficiency and quality of coffee handling.
He also requested that the government should provide a subsidy for agricultural chemicals through New KPCU.
Additionally, Chemno proposed that the government introduce a specific programme for women and youth to increase coffee production.
He said the Coffee Research Institute should be empowered to produce Robusta seeds through partnerships with counties.