Gachagua Secures Historic First in Africa Deal

Kenya is set to host the Producer and Roaster Forum (PRF) in November 2024, becoming the first country in Africa to host one of the biggest events in the coffee calendar globally.

The deal was secured after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua held a meeting with PRF Chief Executive Officer Henry Wilson and made a subsequent presentation at the Seventh Coffee Producer and Roaster Forum in Medellín, Colombia, on why Kenya stands out in coffee production.

The event presents opportunities for countries to showcase their coffee productivity and provides investment opportunities for the host country. 

The previous event was held in Honduras, America whose economy was boosted by Ksh1.4 billion as a result.

Gachagua said that the engagement with CEO Wilson provided him with the opportunity to showcase the potential of the coffee industry in the country and also the reforms Kenya has put in place to streamline the subsector.

“Kenya is ready to host this apex event to the continent, which will also highlight the investment opportunities in the country in specialty coffee, especially value addition,” he said.

“We commit to make this event a success for the Kenyan farmer and the consumer of the Kenyan coffee.”

The Deputy President was flanked Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, Chairman of the Senate Agricultural Committee Senator Kamau Murango and Chairman of the Parliamentary Coffee Caucus MP Duncan Mathenge among others.

DP Gachagua has been on a five-day visit to Colombia to engage with leading coffee producers and sellers in the region.

Colombia is regarded as a global leader in the coffee industry, producing 12 per cent of the world’s coffee and making it the third largest producer in the world.

The Latin-American nation also exports to high-value markets such as United States, Germany and Belgium – a feat which Kenya is targetting through value addition.

Following the conclusion of the visit, Gachagua will lead the Kenyan delegation to Cuba for the G77 summit, where he will deliver a speech on behalf of President William Ruto.