Gachagua Turns to UK After Deal With US Giant Hits Roadblock
On Wednesday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced the government’s plans to collaborate with coffee companies in the UK. This initiative comes a month after the failed attempt to form a partnership with Starbucks, the largest coffee chain in the US.
In October, Gachagua requested assistance from Meg Whitman, the US Ambassador to Kenya, to finalize the agreement with the company.
Gachagua clarified during a meeting with UK High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan at his home in Karen that collaborating with international firms would significantly benefit the Kenyan agriculture industry.
“We have explained what we are doing to many people and they have understood. There is a lot of activity now at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange. We would be happy if you could create a forum for us to talk to coffee companies in the UK so we explain to them what we are doing and they can share their ideas. We would be happy to have that engagement,” he remarked.
The Deputy Leader additionally rejected accusations made by some leaders that his changes were punitive in nature.
He stressed that the government’s intervention measures aimed to rejuvenate the industry because an increasing number of coffee farmers were abandoning the crop due to minimal profits.
Gachagua has been leading efforts to bring about changes in the coffee, tea, and milk industries nationwide, aiming to empower farmers to be self-reliant. He has pushed for additional legislation to eliminate cartels operating within these sectors.
In October, Gachagua revealed intentions, together with US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, to market Kenyan coffee to foreign companies.
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“They will buy our coffee directly. Some of the buyers have been using our coffee to blend their products and increase the quality of coffee produced from other countries,” he stated.
As per Gachagua, his intentions were focused on eliminating intermediaries and agents who make substantial profits from coffee farming without significantly aiding the hardworking farmers.
Kenyan coffee is ranked among the best in the world.
In the meeting, Gachagua also sought assistance from the UK to aid Kenyans impacted by El Nino. He emphasized that the partnership between the two nations has led to significant growth.
The UK Commissioner mentioned that an increasing number of British investors were venturing into Kenya. Additionally, he expressed his efforts to encourage more investors to come to the country.
“We would like a balanced trade that will benefit both sides,” Wigan stated.
Gachagua Turns to UK After Deal With US Giant Hits Roadblock
