Kenya has launched the Kenya Coffee Hub, a new trade convention designed to connect international buyers directly with local farmers, aiming to boost export earnings and producer returns.

• The initiative seeks to earn buyers a premium of up to 30 to 50 percent by experiencing coffee quality at origin.
• Key organizations involved include the Kenya Coffee Hub and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
• The convention addresses information gaps and aims to improve farmers' understanding of export standards and market readiness, emphasizing greater representation for women producers.

Nairobi hosted a forum focused on accelerating East Africa's clean energy transition, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to discuss sustainable solutions.

• The Social and Inclusive Business Camp (SIBC) East Africa Programme supports businesses in renewable energy, clean cooking, and energy efficiency.
• Participants emphasized that stronger collaboration between governments, investors, and entrepreneurs is crucial for energy access and economic growth.
• The SIBC programme has supported over 400 entrepreneurs across Africa since 2017, with a current focus on 48 entrepreneurs in East Africa.

The Kenyan government has ordered state agencies to purchase all unsold rice stocks from the Mwea Irrigation Scheme to stabilize market prices and prevent farmer losses. This intervention aims to address a persistent surplus during harvest seasons despite Kenya's heavy reliance on imports.

• The Kenya National Trading Corporation and the National Cereals and Produce Board are tasked with the bulk purchase.
• Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Rono stated that the government has sufficient funds to buy all locally produced rice.
• Kenya currently produces only about 20% of its rice demand, necessitating imports to meet an estimated annual consumption of 400,000 tonnes.