President William Ruto told farmers at Kenyoro Market and Nyankororo Primary School in Bonchari, Kisii County, that the government’s agriculture reforms are beginning to deliver tangible benefits.

He said lowering the cost of inputs such as fertilizer and seeds, digitising farmer registration and breaking up cartels will enable farmers to keep more of their earnings.

Ruto highlighted that coffee growers are now earning up to Ksh150 per kilogram, compared with an average of Ksh70 previously.

Sugar producers will be paid within seven days of cane delivery and will receive bonuses for the first time, while sugar‑factory employees will receive regular monthly salaries.

In the tea sector, the president announced a Ksh4.2 billion investment to modernise factories, aiming to secure better prices and equitable bonuses for tea growers.

He identified mismanagement, ageing factories and high power costs as the main challenges facing tea processing facilities.

Ruto also said he will sign the new Cooperatives Bill, which will introduce digital tools, stricter term limits and prohibitions on directors handing over positions to relatives, to improve governance and transparency.

The president launched the 22‑kilometre Kenyoro SDA‑Riana Market‑Kerina road project, intended to ease market access for Kisii producers and stimulate trade.

Accompanying Ruto were Governor Simba Arati, several MPs and cabinet secretaries, with Arati noting disparities in tea‑bonus payments between the east and west Rift Valley and calling for correction.