Coffee Extension Training Program - Kericho

This program offers a sponsored training opportunity aimed at developing self-employed Coffee Extension Champions in Kericho County. The primary goal is to provide essential private extension services to coffee farmers in their respective wards following the training.

Terms of Engagement

This initiative consists of a fully Sponsored Training with a clear path to 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 are responsible for covering their own transport costs.

Roles and Responsibilities After Training

Upon successful completion of the training, trained Extension Champions will be expected to:

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

Eligibility Requirements

Applications must meet the following criteria:

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

Added Advantage (Desired Skills & Experience)

Candidates with the following attributes 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.