In a move aimed at bolstering the fortunes of Kenyan coffee farmers, the government has announced its intention to grant export licenses directly to primary coffee cooperative societies.

This groundbreaking initiative is expected to disrupt the established export landscape, empowering farmers and reducing their reliance on intermediaries.

Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) chairman Cornelly Serem announced the decision at the International Coffee Day celebrations in Kirinyaga County.

"Having succeeded in licensing farmers associations as coffee brokers in the last few years, our next move is to register new agents to ship coffee overseas," he stated.

The move is part of a broader government agenda to reform Kenya's coffee industry and ensure that farmers receive a fair share of the value generated by their produce.

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By eliminating intermediaries, the government aims to reduce costs and increase the profitability of coffee farming.

While this initiative presents a significant opportunity for Kenyan coffee cooperatives, it also comes with challenges.

Cooperatives will need to invest in infrastructure, marketing, and quality control to compete effectively in the global market.

The government is working closely with cooperatives to provide the necessary support and guidance.

"Licensing primary coffee cooperative societies will help in the reduction of cost of doing business and enhance income to farmers," Serem stated.

The government's decision is expected to have a profound impact on Kenya's coffee industry.

By empowering farmers' cooperatives, it is taking a major step towards ensuring that the benefits of the coffee trade are shared more equitably.