Coffee farming in Kisii County is set for a major boost following the distribution of 100,000 free Ruiru 11 coffee seedlings to farmers by the county government. The initiative is aimed at increasing coffee production, improving household incomes, and reviving the county’s reputation as a leading coffee-growing region.
Speaking during the flagging-off ceremony at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre, Governor Simba Arati said the distribution of the improved coffee variety is part of the county’s broader strategy to promote agribusiness and create sustainable economic opportunities for farmers.
Ruiru 11 is a high-yielding and disease-resistant coffee variety that has gained popularity across Kenya due to its ability to perform well under different climatic conditions. According to the governor, each plant has the potential to produce at least five kilograms of coffee cherries per season, offering farmers an opportunity to significantly increase their earnings.
The county government believes that improving access to quality seedlings is a key step toward boosting production and attracting more young people to coffee farming. With global demand for quality coffee remaining strong, farmers who adopt modern farming practices stand to benefit from better market opportunities and higher returns.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen Kisii’s agricultural sector, which remains a major source of employment and income for thousands of residents. By investing in coffee farming, the county aims to diversify farmers’ income sources and enhance food and economic security.
As the seedlings reach farmers across the county, many are hopeful that the program will usher in a new era of prosperity, making coffee one of Kisii’s most profitable and sustainable cash crops.
