DEPUTY GOVERNOR ROBERT KOMOLLE GRACES COFFEE TRADE FAIR 2023.

Deputy Governor Robert Komolle announced that the county government through the Department of Trade and Cooperatives is on course to revive cooperative societies in a bid to promote trade and investment.

Speaking during West Pokot County’s Coffee Trade Fair-2023 held at Tartar Coffee Factory in Kapenguria, the deputy county boss said various reforms had been enacted to address challenges facing the sector, and that it was time to realize meaningful results.

He said the county will be the main driver of the changes through laid out initiatives to further strengthen the sector and increase investment and productivity.

Dr. Charles Odhiambo, Senior Program Manager, IMARA, North Rift region said the organization is working to improve farmer’s agricultural productivity through provision of alternative livelihood programs.

Coffee farmers lauded the county government for its renewed attention to address challenges facing the Coffee sub-sector.

Led by Tartar Pokot Farmers’ Cooperative, Samson Kamarich, they expressed their gratitude to the current government for amicably resolving the woes that afflicted the industry over the years as farmers grappled with meagre returns from their sweat.

He however said that more efforts needed to be pumped in to the factory to produce more than 500,000 kilograms of coffee.

CEC Trade and Cooperatives William Petot said his department was committed to ensure that cooperatives are fully supported through County Cooperative Development Fund.

Partners Equity Bank, World Vision- IMARA Program, Cooperative Bank, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry- West Pokot County, CMS Mills Ltd, BrazAfrica Enterprises Ltd, Commodities Fund among other stakeholders were also in attendance.