Office of Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development

Five Kenyan women have been nominated for FAO's 100 Women Heroines of 2026. This is a global recognition under the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, celebrating women whose leadership, innovation and dedication are transforming agriculture and food systems.

The distinguished Kenyan nominees are:

1. Paloma Fernandes – CEO, Cereal Millers Association

2. Jane Maigua – CEO, Exotic EPZ; Immediate Former Chair, Macadamia Nuts Association of Kenya (MacNut)

3. Dr. Zipporah Gitonga – Mazao Na Afya Agrochemicals

4. Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg – Africa Managing Director, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR

5. Sheila Komen-Keino – CEO, Sustain Africa

Their nomination is a proud recognition of Kenya's outstanding women leaders who are driving innovation, strengthening value chains, empowering farmers and advancing food security across the continent, while inspiring the next generation of women in agriculture.

COFFEE REVIVAL DRIVE TARGETS TRIPLING OF OUTPUT, HIGHER FARMER EARNINGS

Kenya has intensified efforts to reclaim its position as a global coffee powerhouse following the launch of the Coffee Revitalization Programme by H.E President Dr. William Samoei Ruto at Kianyaga Stadium in Kirinyaga County.

The programme aims to increase national coffee production from 50,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes by the 2027/2028 season, while expanding coffee acreage from 117,164.40 hectares to 152,000 hectares over the next two years.

CS Sen. Mutahi Kagwe said the reforms are already yielding results, with coffee production projected to rise by 26.2% in the 2025/2026 season. He credited subsidized fertilizer, prompt farmer payments, expanded coffee-growing areas and improved market systems for the gains.

The government has also distributed 2,983,773 coffee seedlings over the last two years, accelerating farm expansion and the replacement of aging coffee bushes. In addition, average farmer earnings have risen from a baseline of approximately KSh 78.99 per kilogram to KSh 120 per kilogram, significantly improving returns for growers.

Coffee remains one of Kenya's leading cash crops, supporting more than 800,000 smallholder farmers and earning the country valuable foreign exchange. The revitalization programme is expected to strengthen cooperatives, enhance climate resilience and improve productivity across the value chain.

In attendance were H.E Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, CS Hon Wycliffe A. Oparanya, EGH, Governor Anne Waiguru and Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, FAO Kenya Country Director Farayi Zimudzi among other senior Government officials, highlighting a united government and development partner commitment to transforming Kenya's coffee sector.