Elgon Coffee held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March, bringing together over 300 farmers from across the region in a powerful demonstration of unity, transparency, and forward-thinking leadership. The event served as both a platform for reflection and a springboard into the future of coffee farming in Kenya. At the helm was Elgon Coffee’s CEO, Mr. Bernard Wangamati, who addressed key issues and outlined strategic plans designed to uplift and empower the farming community.
Mr. Wangamati opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement within the Elgon Coffee network. He recognized the hard work and dedication of the farmers, acknowledging that the success of the company is deeply rooted in the efforts made on the farms every day. His message was clear: Elgon Coffee is committed to building a transparent, profitable, and sustainable coffee business for all stakeholders.
One of the most significant topics discussed was the quality of coffee production. Farmers were taken through extensive training sessions that covered best agricultural practices, starting from land preparation, proper spacing, and soil health, all the way to harvesting and post-harvest handling. These sessions were led by agricultural expert Mr. Stephen Wabwile, who provided practical insights and actionable strategies aimed at improving yield and maintaining the highest coffee quality standards. This investment in farmer education reflects Elgon Coffee’s dedication to excellence and competitiveness in both local and international markets.
In addition to the ongoing emphasis on quality, the CEO expressed a vision for a future where coffee farmers receive a payment rate of at least Ksh. 100 per kilogram for their delivered coffee. This represents a desired increase from the current rate of Ksh. 80 per kilogram, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the financial well-being of the farming community over time.
To further safeguard the livelihoods of its farmers, the company is rolling out an enhanced security initiative across coffee farms. This includes the installation of modern CCTV systems to help monitor activity, deter theft, and protect valuable produce. Mr. Wangamati emphasized that farm security is a shared priority and that Elgon Coffee will continue to explore ways to enhance safety and accountability at every stage of the coffee journey.
Another key focus of the meeting was youth empowerment. Recognizing the need to involve the next generation in agriculture, Elgon Coffee unveiled plans to establish a training facility dedicated to equipping young people with relevant skills in the coffee industry. This center will offer hands-on training in agribusiness, modern farming techniques, and entrepreneurship, with the aim of making coffee farming an appealing and viable career path for young Kenyans.
Access to quality farming inputs was also addressed. Many farmers expressed concerns about inconsistent manure supplies and input quality. In response, the management shared ongoing efforts to streamline procurement and distribution processes, ensuring that all farmers have access to the right inputs at the right time. The goal is to boost productivity while minimizing costs and inefficiencies.
Throughout the AGM, the theme of transparency remained central. Mr. Wangamati took time to clarify questions raised about licensing and regulatory compliance. He reassured farmers that Elgon Coffee operates within all legal frameworks and remains fully licensed by relevant authorities. He stressed the company’s open-door policy and encouraged farmers to continue engaging the management directly on matters affecting their work.
As a gesture of appreciation, each registered farmer who attended the meeting received a branded Elgon Coffee gift hamper. This small token served as a symbol of the company’s gratitude and recognition of the invaluable contribution farmers make to the brand and the industry at large.
The 2025 Elgon Coffee AGM was more than just a meeting—it was a reaffirmation of the values that define the company: unity, quality, fairness, and vision. As the event closed, the mood was hopeful and energized, with renewed commitment from both management and farmers to continue working hand-in-hand toward a brighter, more prosperous future for coffee farming.
Elgon Coffee remains steadfast in its promise to grow not just exceptional coffee, but also a thriving, empowered farming community. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are Elgon Coffee.