By Anderson Ojwang
Studies have shown that Western Kenya has the greatest potential of producing the highest quality of Coffee and to spur economic growth in the region.
In one of the studies undertaken by experts hired by some emerging coffee farmers in Nyanza revealed that the temperature and the soil in the region were best for coffee farming in the region.
Former Alego MP and a coffee farmer Mr. Sammy Weya, with temperatures of between 23 degrees centigrade and good soil, it only takes 10 days for seeds to germinate, unlike Central Kenya, it takes 34 days.
“In Western Kenya, because the soil is slightly acidic, coffee cherries has a natural sugar taste making it one of the best and high quality. This is an economic potential for Nyanza and Western to join the league of coffee-growing regions in the country,” he said.
Weya said that in Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia, Migori counties have the potential of producing high-quality coffee to reverse the region’s economy.
He said an acre of coffee plantation will earn the farmer Sh 1 million and this can go a long way in addressing poverty in the region.
He said that already the following varieties, Ruiru II, SL 28 and Batian coffee, are being grown in the region.
Weya said the colonial government created a myth that coffee cannot grow well in Nyanza because of the fear of malaria attack and opted to live in the white highlands that were malaria-free.
“It is simple knowledge that colonialists did not want to venture into Western Kenya to grow coffee because of the fear of malaria attack, and then develop a myth that the crop cannot grow in Nyana. This myth has been debunked by various studies and the growth of the crop in the region.
Arabica coffee was not promoted in Nyanza was because the colonialists were afraid of malaria and successive governments were never interested in promoting high value cash crops in Nyanza thus marginalizing the community,” he said.
Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) thrives in cool, tropical highlands with the following conditions:
Climate
• Temperature: 15–24°C (59–75°F)
• Altitude: 600–2,000 meters (2,000–6,500 feet)
• Rainfall: 1,200–2,200 mm per year, well-distributed
• Humidity: 60–80%
• Shade: Partial shade helps protect from excessive sun and wind
Soil
• Type: Well-draining, fertile, volcanic or loamy soil
• pH Level: 6.0–6.5 (slightly acidic)
• Nutrients: Rich in organic matter, high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
• Wind Protection: Avoid strong winds
• Slope: Grows best on sloped terrain for drainage
• Spacing: Proper spacing (about 2.5m apart) to allow airflow and prevent disease
With temperatures between 23 and 32 degrees centigrade day and night January to January and altitude above 1200 metres above sea level. Loamy Soils are slightly acidic, making the berries naturally sweet.
Weya said coffee can be grown in the upper canals and intercropped with legumes, macadamia and pawpaw to provide cover.
He said the government disbursed the coffee cherry advance revolving fund, and Nyanza was left out despite the potential, and some farmers were already growing the cash crop.
“ Between 3rd February 2025 and 10th February 2025, New KPCU disbursed Sh 28,785,253.85 to 2,243 beneficiaries across 14 counties; Baringo County, Bungoma County, Kakamega County, Embu County, Kericho County, Kiambu County, Murang’a County, Machakos County, Meru County, Migori County, Tharaka Nithi County, Trans Nzoia County, Uasin Gishu County, and Nyeri County but Nyanza was left out.
Mumunyonzo FCS in Kakamega County applied for cherry advance for the first time, and is the second FCS to benefit from cherry advance in the county. 10 farmers benefited from the cherry advance of Sh. 366,880,” he said.
Weya said it was unfortunate that despite agriculture being devolved the local leadership has continued to sleep and are yet to take advantage of the emerging coffee farming opportunity.
He said in Uganda that shares common weather, rainfall pattern and soil type have continued to grow coffee while Nyanza and Western, which neighbor them, are yet to venture into farming.
Former Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima said in the area, there are already farmers growing coffee, and the yield is high with huge earnings.
“Kabondo is one region in Nyanza where coffee has done well, even in Nyabondo, we have farmers growing it. It is time our people ventured into coffee farming. It is a high-value crop that will change the economy of Nyanza and Western region,” he said.
Weya said that through irrigation, Nyanza can sustain coffee farming, and this will be a milestone in revolutionizing the local and national economy.
He said that currently, China has emerged as a leading coffee market, and Nyanza and Western farmers must be prepared to explore and exploit the opportunities.
“China’s coffee market is booming! Expected to hit $23 billion by 2032, with a 2.10% annual growth rate. Rising middle-class incomes and the demand for premium coffee are fueling this surge. Coffee chains and online shopping are making it more accessible than ever,” he said
