NANDI COUNTY CELEBRATES MILESTONE IN SUSTAINABLE COFFEE PRODUCTION AT TRACE KENYA PROJECT CLOSURE
Nandi County today marked a major milestone in its coffee sector with the closure of the TRACE Kenya Project, an initiative implemented by Solidaridad East and Central Africa that has transformed smallholder coffee farming through sustainability and climate resilience. The event, attended by key stakeholders, celebrated a historic achievement – Africa’s first-ever carbon credit payments to smallholder farmers, positioning Kenya at the forefront of sustainable coffee production.
Among the notable achievements of TRACE Kenya is the progress of Kibukwo Farmers’ Cooperative Society and Oasis Koiyet Farmers’ Cooperative Society, who have successfully undergone a rigorous audit process and are now on track for organic certification. This marks a landmark moment for Nandi’s coffee sector, reinforcing its commitment to producing high-quality, organic, and specialty coffee.
Beyond Nandi, the TRACE Kenya project has had a far-reaching impact across the country, benefitting farmers in Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, and other counties. Solidaridad’s collaboration with Nandi County has also extended beyond coffee to include initiatives in dairy farming, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture—efforts that continue to empower farmers and provide access to premium markets.
To build on these successes, Nandi County has federated over 90 primary coffee cooperatives under the newly formed Nandi Coffee Cooperative Union, which will oversee coffee milling. In addition, the Nandi Coffee Brokerage Company Ltd has been established to ensure that farmers get the best prices at auction. A farmer-owned coffee mill has also been launched, dedicated to supporting cooperative farmers. Notably, women are being integrated into leadership roles across the coffee value chain through the Association of Women in Coffee, ensuring inclusivity and equity in the sector.
Looking ahead, Nandi County is moving forward with the Nandi Escarpment Geographical Indication (GI) roadmap, a strategic initiative that will establish a globally recognized single-origin, organic coffee brand from Nandi. This move is expected to elevate local coffee to international markets, enhancing its competitiveness and premium pricing.
To reaffirm its commitment to a thriving coffee sector, the County Government of Nandi renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Solidaridad, ensuring continued collaboration in strengthening the county’s coffee value chain.
Speaking at the event, Governor Stephen Sang called on farmers, cooperatives, private investors, and policymakers to join forces in making Kenyan coffee a global leader in organic and specialty markets.
“The future of Kenyan coffee is here, and Nandi is proud to lead the way!” he affirmed