By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking in Embu County during the commissioning of Coffee Revitalization Committees for Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Kirinyaga counties, Oparanya said the proposed laws are aimed at addressing long-standing challenges that have left coffee farmers with low returns despite their hard work.

The Cabinet Secretary said many coffee farmers have suffered for years due to poor leadership and mismanagement within cooperative societies, accusing rogue officials of exploiting farmers and weakening the cooperative movement.

He said the proposed Cooperatives Bill will seal leadership loopholes that have allowed some officials to misuse cooperative societies for personal gain, insisting that stronger governance structures are key to reviving the sector.

According to Oparanya, poor governance has significantly contributed to the decline in coffee production in Kenya, adding that restoring transparency and accountability in cooperatives will rebuild farmers' confidence and boost productivity.

He noted that the bill clearly defines the roles of both the national and county governments in managing the cooperative sector, creating well-structured institutions that will better protect coffee farmers and strengthen the cooperative movement.

Oparanya also highlighted the Sacco Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2008, saying it seeks to improve financing within the cooperative movement and provide stronger financial support to various cooperative sectors across the country.

On coffee earnings, the Cabinet Secretary said the government is reviewing the Minimum Guaranteed Return to ensure farmers receive better advance payments while waiting for their coffee to be marketed.

He revealed that the government currently pays farmers an advance of Sh40 per kilogramme of cherry through the Cherry Advance Revolving Fund but is considering increasing the amount to Sh60 to improve farmers' cash flow.

Coffee Revitalization Committee Chairman Njeru Ndwiga said Kenya's coffee industry once flourished before liberalization weakened cooperative leadership and created loopholes that were exploited by a few individuals.

Ndwiga said the collapse of coffee unions and weak oversight turned many cooperative societies into businesses serving individual interests instead of farmers, with some leaders remaining in office for years without accountability.

He called for comprehensive reforms to restore integrity within coffee cooperatives, saying stronger institutions and transparent leadership are essential to returning the sector to its former glory.

Meanwhile, Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma issued a stern warning against rising cases of coffee theft at factories, saying security agencies will firmly deal with those involved. He said the government will not tolerate criminal activities that deny farmers the full value of their produce and vowed to protect the country's coffee value chain.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Mr. Alex Musili pleaded not guilty to two counts of illegal connection of water to his business as well as illegal sale of the essential commodity. He was released on KSh 50,000 cash bail. The Kiambere-Mwingi Water And Sanitation Company, Kimwasco is the legally recognized company that reticulates water in pipes in Mwingi township.

Musili will return to Mwingi Law Courts on August 3, 2026 for the mention of the case and further direction by the court.

Kimwasco has been in the media in recent past over complaints touching on loss of millions of shillings due to illegal water connections. Kimwasco boss Mr Mutunga Mwangangi, has claimed that the company loses up to KSh 8 million in a month to illicit water connections. This makes the water company struggle in meeting water services delivery to the people.

"We have consequently embarked on a crackdown on all people who have illegally connected water from our lines to make sure they face the full force of the law", the said the MD for Kimwasco last week.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

The President's adviser on financial inclusion, Moses Banda told journalists on Monday during the sensitisation for chiefs and their assistants from Mwingi Central that they were key in implementing BETA programs since they were the first and last contacts between citizens and the State. "Being the last mile of government at the grassroots,  chiefs are the link between government policy and the people.  Without them, BETA cannot succeed ", observed Banda.

Banda said that all the Kitui County’s 638 chiefs were grouped into 12 clusters for five days in order to be sensitised on crucial BETA programs. Some of President’s pet projects comprising of BETA are about heathcare, digital and creative economy, affordable housing,  healthcare and SMEs.

Chiefs will be expected to report about which BETA programs work and which don't in order for the Kenya Kwanza administration to devise interventions that improve service delivery to wananchi.

By JOHN MUSEMBI 

The week is set to have  relatively high daytime temperatures given the maximum readings on thermometers will vary between  23°C and 34°C. There is also forecast episodes of cold spells since the minimum temperatures are likely to oscillate between 13°C and 22°C.

Very strong winds will blow across most parts of Kitui county at a speed of up to 25 knots.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Speaking during the Annual General Meeting of Kirindine Senior School in Igembe South Constituency, Meru County, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku said Mt Kenya East remains firmly behind the Kenya Kwanza administration and will stand with President Ruto and Prof. Kindiki in 2027.

Ruku dismissed suggestions that Deputy President Kindiki lacks political support in the region, saying those doubting his influence would be surprised by the outcome of the next General Election.

"The people of Mt Kenya East understand the importance of remaining engaged with the national government. They have witnessed the implementation of key development projects under the Kenya Kwanza administration and will continue supporting President Ruto and his deputy," said the Cabinet Secretary.

He accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of attempting to persuade residents to distance themselves from the government, arguing that such efforts would not succeed because the region continues to benefit from ongoing investments in infrastructure and public services.

Ruku further dismissed attempts to use the Ol Kalou by-election as a barometer of political sentiment across the Mt Kenya region, maintaining that the result was isolated and should not be interpreted as the region's position on national politics.

The Cabinet Secretary was joined by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi and Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni, who echoed his remarks and pledged continued support for the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The three leaders said the government under the stewardship of President William Ruto has initiated and implemented several transformative development projects across the Mt Kenya East region, improving infrastructure, expanding access to public services and enhancing livelihoods.

They said the visible development record has strengthened residents' confidence in the Kenya Kwanza administration, adding that the region will remain firmly behind President Ruto and Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki as they seek a second term in the 2027 General Election.

The leaders urged residents to remain united and continue supporting government programmes aimed at accelerating economic growth, creating employment opportunities and improving service delivery, saying sustained collaboration with the national government would ensure the region continues to benefit from ongoing and future development initiatives.