The Kenyan Government will cancel licenses of some coffee marketers over unscrupulous practices that have lowered prices, said Co-operatives Development Minister Njeru Ndwiga.
Some agents licensed to market coffee had also become buyers, and were influencing prices to exploit farmers. As a result, coffee farmers across the country fetched less for their produce this year compared to last year, Ndwiga said.
The minister said that the opening of the "second window" in coffee marketing had given room to licensing of coffee dealers who buy the produce from farmers, who then sell it, factoring in their own interests.
He was speaking during the launch of Othaya Coffee Revitalisation Project, which is funded by the World Bank. It is aimed at helping farmers improve productivity. "They have dampened the coffee market for their selfish interests, ensuring that the farmers do not get better returns," he said.
He accused the Judiciary of frustrating governments effort to bring to justice those behind financial mismanagement of cooperative movements. He said that his ministry will be approaching the Judiciary to request that hearing of cases for those charged with misappropriation of farmers' money be hastened to punish the culprits.
The Standard
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June 25, 2007
Kenya accuses coffee dealers of exploiting farmers
Categories coffee, Kenya, markets, productivity
