Farmers cry foul over low prices and fraud, Senator Wakoli promises immediate intervention

Coffee farmers from Kaptama, Chepyuk, and Elgon regions of Bungoma County have voiced their desperate pleas for relief from rampant exploitation in a meeting held at AIC Kapsokwony Church where Senator David Wafula Wakoli, chair of the Senate committee tasked with addressing the sector’s woes, assured them that their cries would not go unanswered.

The farmers, who gathered in large numbers, painted a grim picture of their current reality. They detailed how coffee cooperatives and companies are consistently paying them significantly lower prices than those mandated by government regulations, pushing them further into poverty. They also accused several SACCO board members of colluding with fraudsters, exacerbating their already precarious situation.

“We are tired of being cheated,” one farmer passionately declared, echoing the sentiments of many. “We work hard, but we are not reaping the fruits of our labor. The system is rigged against us.”

Senator Wakoli listened intently to the farmers’ grievances, acknowledging the severity of the situation. He unequivocally condemned the fraudulent activities plaguing the sector and promised that those responsible would face the full force of the law.

“The exploitation of our hardworking farmers is unacceptable,” Senator Wakoli stated. “We will not allow these criminals to continue stealing from the very people who sustain our economy. The Senate committee will be in Bungoma County within a month to address these issues head-on.”

He further emphasized the importance of the upcoming Coffee Bill, currently under consideration in the Senate, expressing confidence that its passage would resolve a significant portion of the challenges facing the coffee sector.

“This Bill is a crucial step towards reforming the industry and ensuring fair compensation for our farmers,” he explained. “We are committed to creating a sustainable and equitable future for coffee farming in Bungoma County.”

The farmers welcomed Senator Wakoli’s assurances with renewed hope, expressing their eagerness for the Senate committee’s visit. They are counting on swift and decisive action to restore integrity and fairness to the coffee sector, ensuring that their hard work is finally rewarded.