Gititu Farmers Cooperative Society

The story

The Gititu Coffee Growers Co-operative Society was registered in 1954 as a farmers' organization. The associated Gititu Factory was established shortly after in 1957, predating Kenya's independence. It is recognized as one of the oldest cooperatives in the Kiambu region.

Challenges

The region faces pressure from land use changes, as the area once known as 'big forest' is now densely populated by smallholder farmers. Additionally, the cooperative must manage the complexities of marketing and processing for over 5,000 members.

Innovations

The cooperative emphasizes transparency by inviting members to attend auctions at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange to gain a better understanding of how their coffee is sold and valued.