Coffee Extension Training Program - Migori

The New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union PLC (New KPCU PLC) was established as a State Corporation under the State Corporations Act Cap 446 and incorporated as a Public Limited Company pursuant to the provisions of the Company’s Act 2015, on 4th Day of November, 2019. At cabinet level, the company is represented for the time being by the Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSME’s Development, who is responsible for the general sectoral policy and strategic direction of the company. The company is domiciled in Kenya and has branches in Nairobi, Sagana, Meru, Tala, Kisii, Bungoma, and Kitale. New KPCU is Rainforest Alliance Certified, C.A.F.E Practices Certified, and Fair Trade Certified.

This is a sponsored training program leading to a self-employment opportunity as a Coffee Extension Champion in Migori. The successful trainees will receive intensive training and certification to enable them to provide crucial extension services to coffee farmers in their respective wards.

Terms of Engagement

Sponsored Training with 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 will cater for their own transport.

Roles After Training (Extension Champions will):

1. Provide private extension services to farmers in their wards.
2. Train farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to boost yields.
3. Support rehabilitation of abandoned or underperforming coffee farms.
4. Promote adoption of quality planting materials supplied through the program.
5. Mobilize and organize farmers into cooperatives or farmer groups.
6. 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: Applications Must:

• 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 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.