She argued that addressing historical debts would demonstrate commitment to the sector and encourage more farmers to invest in coffee production.
Waiguru’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on strategies to revive Kenya’s coffee industry, which has faced challenges such as delayed payments, mismanagement, and low productivity.
She urged stakeholders, including the government and cooperative societies, to ensure that farmers receive the dues owed to them.
“Farmers have worked hard, and it is only fair that they receive what is rightfully theirs.
Debt clearance is not just a financial issue; it is about restoring trust and confidence in the sector,” Waiguru said.
The Governor highlighted that the Ksh1 billion debt has been a long-standing concern for coffee farmers, many of whom rely on payments to sustain their households and meet production costs.
She added that failure to address these debts could undermine efforts to revive the coffee sector.
Waiguru also called on farmers to remain united and demand accountability from those managing coffee cooperatives.
She stressed that collective action would help ensure that payments are made promptly and that farmers’ interests are safeguarded.
Political analysts note that Waiguru’s statements tie economic issues to political support, emphasising that tangible benefits for farmers can influence voting decisions.
However, they caution that farmers are likely to weigh multiple factors, including leadership performance and sector reforms, before making electoral choices.
The Governor reiterated her commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance productivity, provide market access, and improve livelihoods for coffee farmers.
She encouraged all stakeholders to collaborate and ensure that the sector recovers fully.
“Supporting leadership that addresses farmers’ needs is a practical approach. We must ensure that those who work the land and produce coffee are treated fairly,” Waiguru said.