Coffee farmers in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, have taken matters into their own hands, repairing a dilapidated road that has long hindered access to markets and cut into their earnings.
The farmers say the key road connecting Mururi to the Mwea–Embu highway has become nearly impassable, especially during rainy seasons, making it difficult to transport coffee to factories. As a result, many are forced to sell their produce to middlemen at lower prices, significantly reducing their profits.
In a show of resilience and desperation, the farmers pooled resources and labor to rehabilitate sections of the road themselves. They argue that poor infrastructure has not only increased transport costs but also weakened their bargaining power, as brokers exploit the situation by offering quick cash at undervalued rates.
Local leaders and farmers are now calling on the government to intervene urgently, stressing that better road networks would allow them to deliver coffee directly to factories and cooperatives, where they can fetch better prices.
The situation highlights deeper challenges within Kenya’s coffee sector, where logistical barriers continue to undermine farmers’ incomes despite ongoing efforts to revive the industry. For many in Gichugu, fixing the road is not just about access - it is about reclaiming control over their livelihoods.
Source: Citizen Digital
The farmers say the key road connecting Mururi to the Mwea–Embu highway has become nearly impassable, especially during rainy seasons, making it difficult to transport coffee to factories. As a result, many are forced to sell their produce to middlemen at lower prices, significantly reducing their profits.
In a show of resilience and desperation, the farmers pooled resources and labor to rehabilitate sections of the road themselves. They argue that poor infrastructure has not only increased transport costs but also weakened their bargaining power, as brokers exploit the situation by offering quick cash at undervalued rates.
Local leaders and farmers are now calling on the government to intervene urgently, stressing that better road networks would allow them to deliver coffee directly to factories and cooperatives, where they can fetch better prices.
The situation highlights deeper challenges within Kenya’s coffee sector, where logistical barriers continue to undermine farmers’ incomes despite ongoing efforts to revive the industry. For many in Gichugu, fixing the road is not just about access - it is about reclaiming control over their livelihoods.
Source: Citizen Digital
