NCE Unveils 2026–2030 Strategy to Modernize Trading, Boost Farmer Earnings

The Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) has launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, setting out reforms aimed at digitizing coffee trading, strengthening governance, expanding global markets, and ensuring farmers receive fairer returns from one of Kenya’s most valuable export crops.

Speaking at the launch, Ministry Of Co-Operatives, Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises Development, Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya said the plan marks a pivotal step in revitalizing Kenya’s coffee sector and cooperative movement, describing coffee as a cornerstone of rural employment, foreign exchange earnings, and the cooperative-based economic model.

“As the Ministry of Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, our mandate is clear: to empower producers, strengthen cooperatives, unlock enterprise potential, and ensure inclusive economic growth. The Strategic Plan launched today aligns strongly with that mandate”, he said.

He noted that the strategy aligns with the government’s mandate to empower producers, strengthen cooperatives, unlock enterprise potential, and drive inclusive economic growth.

”Allow me to highlight three areas where this plan speaks directly to our national priorities; Strengthening Cooperative Governance and Accountability The majority of our coffee farmers operate through cooperative societies. When the Exchange becomes more transparent, more digitized, and more efficient, it strengthens the entire cooperative value chain. We welcome the commitment to enhanced governance, compliance, and reporting. Increasing Farmer Earnings and Value Retention for too long, our farmers have carried the heaviest burden while earning the smallest share of the final value.  Embracing Innovation and Youth Inclusion, our coffee sector must attract the next generation. Digital trading platforms, traceability systems, climate-smart practices, and enterprise financing are not optional, they are essential. “, he said.

Key Reform Priorities

The five-year roadmap focuses on:

• Strengthening Cooperative Governance: Enhancing transparency, compliance, and reporting systems to build trust across the value chain.
• Improving Farmer Incomes: Reforming price discovery, reducing inefficiencies, and protecting growers from exploitation so they retain greater value from their produce.
• Digital Transformation and Innovation: Introducing modern trading platforms, traceability systems, and climate-smart practices to increase efficiency and attract youth participation.
• Market Expansion: Positioning Kenyan coffee competitively in international markets through partnerships and diversified buyers.
• Sustainability and Institutional Excellence: Building resilient systems that integrate MSMEs in processing, logistics, and value addition while strengthening accountability.

Oparanya emphasized that quality alone is no longer sufficient in global markets, which increasingly demand traceability, sustainability, and reliability.

Responding to a Changing Global Coffee Landscape

NCE Chief Executive Officer Lisper Ndungu said the strategy responds to rapid shifts in the global coffee industry, including digitization, climate pressures, and calls for more equitable returns to producers.

She outlined three central ambitions: achieving digital and operational excellence, expanding Kenya’s global coffee footprint, and delivering value and sustainability for stakeholders across the ecosystem from farmers and cooperatives to exporters and financial institutions.

Ndungu said the Exchange will invest in secure, data-driven systems to make participation seamless and globally competitive while strengthening collaboration across the sector.

“We are guided by integrity, innovation, accountability, and service excellence. These values will shape not only what we do, but how we do it. I extend my gratitude to all stakeholders at large who contributed their time, expertise, and passion to crafting this strategic plan. Your dedication reflects our collective belief in the future of Kenyan coffee”, She said.

Transition to a More Transparent, Farmer-Centered Exchange

Chairperson of the Transition Working Committee Kenneth Gitonga described the plan as a “systemic renewal” designed to transform the Exchange from a traditional marketplace into a movement focused on farmer prosperity and global competitiveness.

He highlighted five pillars guiding the reforms: radical transparency through digitized trading and real-time data, expanded international positioning, value optimization for farmers, stronger institutional governance, and innovation anchored in climate resilience and youth inclusion.

Gitonga pledged measurable milestones, regular performance reporting, and bold adjustments where necessary to ensure implementation delivers tangible impact.

Inclusive Growth at the Core

Leaders stressed that modernization must remain accessible to smallholder farmers, including women and youth, who form the backbone of Kenya’s coffee production. The government committed to supporting enabling policy and regulatory frameworks, while urging discipline and collaboration among cooperatives, brokers, regulators, and industry players.

The 2026–2030 period is seen as a critical window for Kenya to restore confidence in its coffee value chain, increase export volumes, enhance quality premiums, and reclaim its position as a model for cooperative-driven agricultural success in Africa.

Officials said the success of the strategy will ultimately be judged by improved farmer earnings, stronger institutions, and a more competitive Kenyan coffee brand on the global stage.