Murang’a County: A haven for Coffee Investments

Muranga county is located on the former Central Province and it is the largest town is Muranga. The county has a population of 942,581 as per the 2009 census but the number has currently increased.

The main economic activity in the county is agriculture where more than 60 per cent of farmers grow cash crops tea and coffee.

The county is a hub of trade and commerce in the central region of the country due to its proximity to the capital City of Kenya, Nairobi.

Coffee is produced highly in the county due to the favorable climatic conditions in the region. Harvested coffee in Muranga county is used locally while a huge percentage is exported to the International market.

A modern plant for roasting and grinding coffee can be put up in the area. This plant will be able to produce coffee for both local markets and for exports. Coffee farmers need modern farming equipment that can help in increasing production.

They also need to be equipped with the skills on how to deal with pests and diseases. Many of them still use the traditional methods of preventing crop diseases.

Export of the harvested and processed coffee can be easy due to the nearness of the county to Nairobi where Kenyatta International Airport is located. Most countries go for the decaffeinated types of coffee; thus the plant can produce such for export purposes as this brings in lots of profit as compared to the caffeinated coffee.

More irrigation equipment can be an added advantage to the farmers. Putting up a hardware shop for leasing out the farming equipment can be profitable. Farmers will be required to take the machinery for an allocated fee then return them after using. Leasing out will help those farmers who cannot afford to buy the farming equipment.

Coffee shops can as well be opened where people can be visiting the place to be served with coffee. Such joints generate a lot of profit especially when put up in such an area where coffee is produced. When friends and family meet, they need somewhere comfortable where they can relax as they share coffee.

Article by Vera Shawiza.