Coffee Extension Training Program - Kakamega

This is an announcement for the Coffee Extension Training Program in Kakamega, sponsored by New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union Plc (New KPCU PLC). This program offers intensive training with a subsequent self-employment opportunity as an Extension Champion, focusing on revitalizing the coffee sector in local wards. New KPCU PLC is a State Corporation established under the State Corporations Act Cap 446 and incorporated as a Public Limited Company pursuant to the provisions of the Company's Act 2015.

Terms of Engagement

The program provides sponsored training leading to a self-employment opportunity post-training.

Training Details

• Venue: Coffee Research Institute and designated County Training Centers.
• Duration: One week of intensive theory and practical training.
• Certification: Certificate of Completion issued jointly by New KPCU and the Coffee Research Institute.
• Cost: Training is fully sponsored. Trainees must cater for their own transport.

Roles After Training (Extension Champions)

Upon successful completion, trained Extension Champions will:

• Provide private extension services to farmers in their wards.
• Train farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to boost yields.
• Support rehabilitation of abandoned or underperforming coffee farms.
• Promote adoption of quality planting materials supplied through the program.
• Mobilize and organize farmers into cooperatives or farmer groups.
• Assist farmers with record-keeping crop monitoring and basic farm management.

How Trainees will Earn from Services

Extension Champions will levy farmers a reasonable service fee agreed upon at the ward level through cooperatives or farmer groups and approved by the Standing County Technical Committee. Champions will work with cooperatives to streamline collection of service fees through cooperative deductions or mobile money payments, ensuring transparency and accountability. Champions are encouraged to enter into formal service agreements with cooperatives or farmer groups.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Hold a certificate, Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Horticulture, Agriculture Economics, or related fields.
• Be residents of the ward they wish to serve (proof required).
• Demonstrate passion for transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable coffee farming.
• Have effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Not have been previously trained under this program.

Added Advantages

Candidates with the following will have an added advantage:

• Previous experience in coffee farming, cooperatives, or agricultural extension.
• Familiarity with digital tools for data collection.
• Knowledge of coffee agronomy and post-harvest techniques.

Application Requirements

To apply, candidates must submit the following documents:

• Detailed CV
• Copies of academic and professional certificates
• Copy of National ID and Proof of ward residency
• Brief cover letter indicating the ward you wish to serve.