“The programme is on course and we have already started piloting it to ensure coffee quality improves," Munya said.
The CS said the government will also hire and train officers to help in extension services at factories.
“The young men and women will be trained at government cost to learn about coffee husbandry. The government will also cater for their salaries,” he said.
The extension officers will be have three-year contracts. In that period, the government estimates coffee production will have improved and factories will be at liberty to hire the officers.
Recruitment and training will take place in February and by March the officers will be in the field to support improved production and capacity-building in factories.
The revitalisation funds will also cover collection of farmers' data.
On the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (KPCU), the CS said the parastatal is already operational.
It has three mills already working. It is marketing coffee and paying farmers. Those who take coffee to the three mills get better prices.
Munya said the draft Coffee Bill has been sent to the Attorney General before it is gazetted and taken to Parliament. It will be subject to public participation.
Under the Bill, no factory or society asset will be used as security for loans.
It proposes revival of the Coffee Research Foundation funded by the government to develop better coffee varieties.
The Bill also prohibits millers and marketing agents from lending to famers as there is a coffee cherry advance with a low interest rate of three per cent.
It caps milling charges at $40 (Sh4,383) per ton. Milling losses will not exceed 19 per cent.
The Bill also allows factories to register as standalone societies if farmers approve.
