Remarks from the Director of Research
Dr. J K Kimemia PhD, HSc

Coffee Production has been on the decline from a record of about 130,000 metric tonnes in 1989 to about 50,000 metric tonnes in 2002. Similarly coffee quality has been on the decline. This has been attributed to low profitability of the coffee farming enterprise mainly due to declining coffee prices and rising cost of coffee production.

Coffee Production has been on the decline from a record of about 130,000 metric tonnes in 1989 to about 50,000 metric tonnes in 2002. Similarly coffee quality has been on the decline. This has been attributed to low profitability of the coffee farming enterprise mainly due to declining coffee prices and rising cost of coffee production.

The coffee sector is important to Kenya’s economy. The sector contributes to foreign exchange earnings, household incomes, employment, and food security. About 700,000 households derive direct livelihood from coffee farming, and nearly 200,000 people are either in permanent or seasonal employment in the sector.

Over the years CRF has made major achievements in coffee variety development, coffee field management, processing and quality control. To carry out its functions CRF is funded by a levy deducted from the sales of coffee. The performance of the Foundation is therefore heavily dependent on dynamics in the coffee sector. In order to continue meeting its mandate and providing services to the coffee growers, CRF has developed a five year strategic plan. This strategic plan has recognized the impact of these external factors and strategies have been developed to address them. In particular, the plan focus on those factors that can be addressed within the mandate of CRF.

During the plan period, CRF has identified seven key result areas where its success will be measured. Appropriate goals, strategies, and objectives have been identified. Performance indicators have been stated for each key result area and they shall measure the contribution of this plan in building a highly performing Coffee Research Foundation.

The research work is carried out through eight technical departments viz Plant Breeding, Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Chemistry (nutrition, processing and quality), Plant Pathology, Entomology and Economics. The research findings are disseminated through two department viz Research Liaison and Advisory and Kenya Coffee College. There are support departments in Human Resource, Accounts, Audit Transport, Estates and Farms. Each section is managed by a qualified and competent officer.

CRF is governed by a board of Directors consisting of elected Directors representing the coffee industry, government and universities. The full composition is shown under the Board of Directors.

Beside the research work, CRF provides services to the industry in form of soil, leaf, pesticide and fertilizer analysis, provision of planting materials in form of seed and seedlings and training in the filed and at the Kenya Coffee College. We also link up with Kenya Meteorological department to provide weather dependent crop management strategies.

It is our sincere hope that all the coffee stakeholders and other interested parties will make use of the immense facilities available. Together we will contribute to the general welfare of the coffee farmers and consequently the National Economy

Dr. J K Kimemia
Director of Research