Uasin Gishu County’s coffee sector received a major boost on Friday with the groundbreaking of the Kapsuswa Coffee Innovation, Training and Coffee Nursery Centre in Kamagut Ward, Turbo Sub-County.

The facility, located on Mr. Charles Boit’s family farm, is expected to strengthen the coffee value chain through technology adoption, farmer training, quality production and value addition.

Hundreds of coffee farmers and stakeholders from across the county attended the ceremony, where they interacted with modern technologies aimed at improving production, farm management and processing.

The County Coffee Officer Mr Nicholas Maritim, who represented the County Government of Uasin Gishu, said the centre marks a significant step forward for local growers.

“This Innovation, Training and Coffee Nursery Centre will give our farmers a practical platform to learn modern techniques, exchange experiences and access new technologies that can raise both yields and quality,” Maritim said. “We are committed to supporting coffee as a key cash crop in Uasin Gishu,” he added.

The centre is sited on land acquired in 1961 by Mzee Paul Kiplimo Boit. Originally used for cattle and maize, the farm later became a mixed agricultural enterprise.

Coffee trials began in the 1980s, and commercial production resumed in 2023 with technical support from the Coffee Research Institute in Kitale.

During the event, farmers were shown modern weeding technology, boom sprayers and eco-pulper systems.

“These innovations can cut costs, improve efficiency and deliver better-quality coffee,” Maritim added. “The Kapsuswa Centre of Excellence will serve as a learning hub for farmers from every corner of the county,” he explained.

Organisers said the centre will enable growers to test new ideas and apply practical knowledge on modern coffee farming.

by Maurice Aluda