Govt Rolls Out Free Coffee Extension Training at Ward Level

The government has announced a fully sponsored coffee extension training program at ward level across several counties.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (New KPCU PLC), working with the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, invited community-rooted individuals to join an intensive Coffee Extension Champions Training Program under the “revival of coffee through cooperative societies campaign.”

The initiative aims to boost coffee production within the cooperative movement from 51,852 metric tonnes to 151,000 metric tonnes.

The wards listed for the program are in Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega, Kajiado, Kericho, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Laikipia, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Migori, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyeri, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Tharaka Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and West Pokot.

The training will be fully sponsored, and participants will have self-employment opportunities after completion.

Sessions will be held at the Coffee Research Institute and designated county training centres, where trainees will undergo one week of intensive theory and practical lessons. A Certificate of Completion will be issued jointly by New KPCU and the Coffee Research Institute.

According to the notice, trained Extension Champions will provide private extension services to farmers in their wards, train them on Good Agricultural Practices to boost yields, support the rehabilitation of abandoned or underperforming coffee farms, promote the use of quality planting materials supplied through the program, mobilize farmers into cooperatives or groups, and help farmers with record-keeping and basic farm management.

The notice states that, “Extension Champions will levy farmers a reasonable service fee agreed upon at the ward level through cooperatives or farmer groups and approved by the Standing County Technical Committee. Champions will work with cooperatives to streamline collection of service fees through cooperative deductions or mobile money payments, ensuring transparency and accountability. Champions are encouraged to enter into formal service agreements with cooperatives or farmer groups.”

Applicants must have a certificate, diploma or degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, or related fields. They must also be residents of the ward they wish to serve, with proof required. Applicants are expected to demonstrate passion for transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable coffee farming, possess communication and teamwork skills, and must not have been previously trained under the program.

Applications must include a detailed CV, copies of academic and professional certificates, a copy of the national ID, proof of ward residency, and a brief cover letter indicating the ward one wishes to serve. Interested individuals should submit their application in a sealed envelope, by post, email to recruitment@newkpcuplc.go.ke, or hand delivery. All applications must reach the company by 5:00 pm on Friday, December 5, 2025, East African Time.