Just like other popular coffee growing areas in Kenya such as Mt. Kenya, Kisii, Bungoma, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Machakos and Taita Taveta counties, Siaya is also on the coffee growing map with the potential to put 3,000 acres under coffee production.
About 250 farmers in Ndenga, West Ugenya Ward, have started to live this dream. They have started this by first organizing themselves into Ugenya Coffee Growers Cooperative Society for easier mobilization of more members and more efficient access of agricultural inputs such as seeds, chemicals, fertilizer and aggregation of produce. According to the Chairperson, Mr. Francis Onyango, the Department of Agriculture- County Government Of Siaya recently gave them 3,000 coffee seedlings to awaken the growing of this valuable cash crop. He says that almost all the members have at least 20 trees in their farms and the number is expected to increase further in the near future.
"With adherence to the recommended crop husbandry guidelines, one coffee bush would produce between 50 - 100 kg of berries in the third year, earning at least KES. 2,000 with the price of KES. 40 per Kg. One acre carries at least 500 coffee trees which would easily earn the farmer KES. 1 million per harvest", said CECM for Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock & Blue Economy - Hon. K'Okoth Sylvestre while on a consultative meeting and field visit with the management team of the Ugenya Cooperative.
He promised to coordinate with the National Government through Agriculture & Food Authority (AFA) and KALRO to ensure that the members receive additional seedlings for onward distribution to more farmers. Additionally, the Department will enhance extension Service delivery, mobilize more farmers to embrace coffee farming and influence timely availability of fertilizers and other inputs to help reduce production costs.
The Nyalore Administration under Governor James Orengo, which has prioritized Agriculture as the main pillar for its economic and industrial revolution, is assuring farmers that Siaya has the potential for growing this important cash crop and therefore farmers should consider this value chain towards economically transforming their lives.