Kenya rural development. [Photo/farmerstrend.co.ke]Small-scale coffee farmers from Kiambu County earned the highest price of Sh51,655 ($502) per 50kg bag of Grade AA of Arabica beans offered for sale at Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE).
Market reports indicate that farmers from Gititu Farmers’ Coffee Co-operative Society benefited from the improved price for the produce, which is the country’s premium grade.
Last month, NCE chief executive officer Daniel Mbithi indicated that prices are likely to hold up to the end of the year following supply of quality beans from Mt Kenya region.
The society through its marketing agency, Sasini Limited Company sold 70 bags and 87 bags of grade AA and AB. Sasini General Manager in charge of coffee operations James Muriithi explained that the Gititu grade AA fetched the highest price ever this year beating other societies that offered the same grade.
This translates to Sh1,033 or $10.04 per kilogram. He explained that various factors contributed to the achievement of the improved prices including observation of good agricultural practices by the farmers.
“The coffee which was milled and marked by Sasini Limited was classified as the highest quality in all grades. The impressive price was achieved following rigorous and aggressive training of farmers,” Muriithi said.
Equally, he added, the inspiring price is further attributable to the good working relationship between the society’s management committee and officers from Sasini. The Gititu Society’s coffee, Muriithi said, is out of 2,724 bags of Grade AAs offered for auction during Sale No.7 held on December 5, 2017.
“Our commitment to working with farmers has finally paid dividends to the farmers,” he added. During the December 5, auction Mbithi confirmed that average price of coffee offered for sale reached Sh22, 944 ($229.44) which is a 16.6 percent increase since the beginning of the 2017/18 coffee season on October 10, 2017.