New practice for coffee industry in Kenya
A statement has been circulated by the Coffee Board of Kenya, together with the commissioner of co-operatives. It seems that certain changes are on the wind, in terms of the coffee industry in the country.
What’s going on?
In an attempt to promote transparency and competition, the appointment of commercial millers and marketing agents to act for farmers has been given the thumbs up. Sacco management has been given the job of selecting the service providers. In the statement, certain guidance is given for committees in deciding who to appoint as millers and marketing agents.
Instead of the current lobbying done to get business deals under their belts, companies will now be expected to tout for business in a different way. They will have to complete certain forms and set out their expertise, so that their credentials can be assessed. The sorts of things that will be taken into account are factors such as the average price obtained for the coffee product, the types of marketing they employ and how quickly the farmers get their cut from sales. The companies will also be scrutinised to see how much ‘clean coffee’ they have placed in a three year period.
Similarly, millers would be evaluated by specific criteria too, such as how much coffee they process, their clients and fees.
Surely a more systematic approach will improve the coffee industry and it will become clearer as to the attributes that need to be fostered and demonstrated by companies in the business.