Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli who chairs the Senate committee on Agriculture, addressing coffee farmers from Kaptama, Chepyuk, and Mt Elgon.Hundreds of coffee farmers from Kaptama, Chepyuk, and Mt Elgon regions in Bungoma county have raised the alarm over widespread exploitation in the sub-sector.
The irate farmers who spoke during a tense meeting held at AIC Kapsokwony Church called for urgent intervention from relevant stakeholders.
The gathering, attended by Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli who chairs the Senate committee on Agriculture, became a platform for farmers to vent their frustrations over what they described as systemic fraud and mistreatment.
In emotional testimonies, the farmers accused coffee cooperatives and companies of consistently underpaying them, in blatant disregard of government-set prices.
Many claimed they were being pushed into poverty by a system they said was rigged against them.
Allegations also emerged implicating some SACCO board members in collusion with fraudsters to siphon off farmers’ earnings.
“We are tired of being cheated,” one farmer lamented. “We toil day and night, but we have nothing to show for it. The whole system is working against us.”
Wakoli, who listened closely to the complaints, condemned the corruption undermining the sub-sector and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
“The exploitation of our hardworking farmers is unacceptable,” he said.
“We will not allow criminals to continue stealing from the very people who keep our economy running. Within the next month, the Senate committee will be on the ground in Bungoma to address these issues directly.” he noted.
He also highlighted the significance of the pending Coffee
Bill, which is currently before the Senate.
The proposed legislation aims to overhaul the coffee industry, establish transparency, and ensure farmers receive fair compensation.
“This Bill is a vital tool for reforming the sector. It will help us build a fair, sustainable future for coffee farmers in Bungoma and beyond.” he said.
Farmers welcomed the senator’s pledges with cautious optimism, expressing hope that the long-overdue reforms will soon materialise.
Many said they are eager for the Senate’s visit and are counting on decisive action to restore integrity to the coffee value chain.
