By Eddah Waithaka
The Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE), in partnership with Solidaridad and FairTrade Africa, organized a coffee cupping session to link small-scale coffee farmers in Kenya with buyers, traders, and marketers from both local and international markets in Nairobi on the 22nd of November.
Under the theme “Supporting Market Access for Coffee Farmers for a Sustainable Future,” the forum emphasized the need for collaboration to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
The event also aimed to improve transparency, efficiency and market access, while showcasing a diverse selection of specialty coffees from different regions of Kenya. This initiative is expected to support the sustainable development of the country’s coffee sector.
At the event, the showcased coffees included those certified by Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, and organic labels, highlighting the dedication of Kenyan farmers to producing high-quality, sustainable coffee. By featuring these varieties, the session underscored the significance of sustainable farming practices in fulfilling the global demand for ethically sourced coffee.
Lisper Ndung’u, CEO of the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, emphasized the importance of coffee in Kenya’s economy, highlighting it as a crucial source of income for millions.
She voiced concerns about the effects of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), a new set of environmental standards that could affect production and exports.
“Although these regulations are essential for promoting environmental sustainability, they present considerable challenges for our coffee industry,” she remarked.
To tackle these challenges, Ms. Ndung’u detailed her organization’s initiatives aimed at empowering stakeholders to adapt to the changing regulatory environment. “We are dedicated to equipping our farmers and exporters with the resources necessary to stay competitive and retain their foothold in international markets,” she stated.
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The Principal Secretary for Cooperative Development, Patrick Kilemi, called on farmers to boost coffee production to satisfy the rising demand both locally and globally.
“We encourage farmers to embrace modern farming techniques that enhance both yield and quality,” he stated. He also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to revitalizing the coffee sector through improved market access and the elimination of trade barriers.
“We strive to establish Kenya as a global leader in coffee by tackling issues like price volatility, inadequate technical support, and unfair trade practices,” the Principal Secretary emphasized.
He further urged the Kenya Coffee Corporation to deliver timely information, technical guidance, and strategies to enhance profitability for farmers.
Despite facing challenges like market volatility and climate change, the forum provided a platform for stakeholders to reinforce their commitment to sustainable practices, fair trade, and the long-term development of Kenya’s coffee industry.
