Nandi farmers cautioned against illegal coffee hawking

The Nandi government through the department of agriculture and cooperative development has issued a 30-day ultimatum to all co-operative societies to comply with statutory requirements, even as authorities move to curb rising cases of illegal coffee trade within the county.

In a circular signed by agriculture executive Kiplimo Lagat on Tuesday, all agricultural, Saccos, investment, transport, youth, women, housing, and multipurpose co-operatives have been directed to update their governance, file audited accounts, submit statutory returns, and regularise their operations within one month.

The circular warned that failure to comply would attract sanctions including suspension or deregistration.

Alongside the circular, the CECM Lagat warned coffee farmers and traders over the increasing incidents of illegal coffee cherry hawking.

He urged farmers to strictly sell their coffee through registered co-operative societies as required by law, noting that the county has already suspended all sales to individuals.

“We are encouraging our farmers to use their co-operatives where they are protected, where records are kept, and where they are assured of fair payment,” Lagat said.

 “Anyone seen hawking cherries or buying them illegally must be reported immediately so that action can be taken.”

His remarks follow a recent theft at Oasis Koiyet Coffee Cooperative in Chepterwai, Mosop subcounty, where coffee parchment was stolen by unknown individuals.

The incident has heightened concerns about an emerging black market fueled by unauthorised buyers and middlemen.

Lagat said the illegal trade undermines official marketing channels and exposes farmers to losses, adding that the county is working with security agencies to boost surveillance around cooperative stores and coffee factories.

Both the 30-day compliance notice and the crackdown on illegal coffee dealings are part of a wider effort to strengthen the cooperative movement and protect farmers’ earnings.