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The Nairobian

Nyeri factories install solar dryers for coffee to enhance quality

Central

By Purity Mwangi | Jul 22, 2024

**A farmer using the sun to dry his coffee cherries** **in Nandi Hills Constituency in Nandi County.** [Christopher Kipsang, Standard]

Coffee factories in Nyeri County have started embracing solar energy to boost efficiency.

Chorong'i coffee factory at Mutheka Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Ruring'u ward, Nyeri Central sub-county has benefited from a coffee solar dryer.

Solar dryer installation will enable the factory to dry coffee throughout the season.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Climate Change, is part of the FLLOCA Programme (Financing Locally-Led Climate Action).

Nyeri County coffee factory technician Joseph Iboba said the solar dryer project worth more than Sh2.4 million will improve the moisture content of coffee as required in the market.

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“The solar coffee drying technique will save on time and labor, the solar installation includes a greenhouse where the coffee can be dried, at least 16 tones within five to seven days compared to the old method which took 14 days (two weeks),” he said.

He explained that the solar installation will ensure drying takes a shorter period hence avoiding contamination of the coffee and retaining quality.

“It aims to enhance the processing capacity and quality of coffee produced by the cooperative, which is a crucial economic activity for the county. The project aims to promote sustainable practices through harnessing solar energy but also supports the farmers in reducing processing costs and increasing their income,” he said.

Iboba noted that solar dryers will help improve the drying process, leading to better preservation of coffee quality and a higher market value for the produce.

“The project will help to curb theft of the drying coffee in the factory as it reduces the period that the coffee takes to dry,” he said.

Installation of a solar dryer at Chorong'i coffee factory is one of the initiatives under this programme, in efforts to combat climate change.

More than 20 coffee factories have benefited from solar dryers that are environmental friendly.