Since 1964 • Murang’a County
A cooperative rooted in integrity, built for generations
From humble beginnings, Samuru Gituto Farmers Cooperative Society has grown into a member-first movement focused on sustainable coffee farming, fair value for farmers, and meaningful community impact.
4,500+
Active members1964
Year founded1,700
Acres at peakMurang’a
Our home countyOur History
From formation to renewal
Samuru Gituto Farmers Co-operative Society Limited is a long-established farmers’ cooperative in Kenya, best known for coffee farming and land ownership. Its story reflects both the growth of Kenya’s cooperative movement and the governance challenges many agricultural cooperatives have faced.
1964 — Formation
Established shortly after Kenya’s independence by coffee farmers in Murang’a to market coffee collectively, improve bargaining power, and own productive agricultural land together.
1960s–1990s — Growth & expansion
Membership grew to more than 4,500 farmers. At its peak the Society owned up to 1,700 acres of coffee farms and became an important source of employment and income for families across Murang’a.
Early 2000s — Financial challenges
Like many coffee cooperatives, the Society was affected by falling international coffee prices, rising production costs, and difficulty servicing loans. To recover outstanding debts, a lending bank sold part of the cooperative’s land—members state that about 1,200 acres were disposed of, leaving a much smaller portion of the original holdings.
2006 onwards — Leadership disputes
A prolonged period of leadership wrangles, disputes over legitimate office bearers, allegations of irregular land sales, and numerous court cases concerning governance and ownership of cooperative assets. Rival groups claimed leadership while disagreements continued over the sale and transfer of Society land.
March 2019 — Court of Appeal decision
A landmark Court of Appeal of Kenya ruling found that certain land transfers had been irregular, ordered that the affected parcels be returned to the cooperative, and cleared the way for renewed governance and the resumption of members’ meetings after many years of disputes.
2020s — Recovery & revitalisation
Efforts continue to strengthen governance, recover and protect assets, revive coffee production, increase member participation through regular AGMs, and promote sustainable farming and value-addition. Some legal proceedings relating to land and property management have continued in subsequent years.
Samuru Gituto’s history is one of early success in Kenya’s post-independence cooperative movement, followed by years of governance and land disputes, and more recent efforts to restore member confidence, recover assets, and revive agricultural production.
Mission • Vision • Values
What guides our work
Vision
To be a sustainable, trusted cooperative that uplifts farmers, strengthens families, and builds a prosperous legacy across generations.
Mission
Empower members through fair coffee marketing, training, and value addition; protect the Society’s assets; and invest in community wellbeing.
Values
- Integrity & accountability
- Member empowerment
- Sustainability & stewardship
- Transparency & fairness
- Community-first mindset
Assets & Footprint
Farms, facilities & community spaces
We own and manage multiple properties across Murang’a County. While some parcels were affected by irregular transfers in the past, ongoing legal processes and member action have supported recovery and protection of cooperative assets.
Fertile acreage under revitalisation, focusing on productivity & quality.
Investing in milling partnerships & value-add for better farmer returns.
Spaces for meetings, training and member services.
Rulings in favour of the Society have supported asset recovery.
Leadership
Member-first governance
We’ve strengthened structures to ensure stability: regular AGMs, independent audits, improved record-keeping and transparent reporting. This framework keeps leadership accountable to members and safeguards assets for the long term.
- Annual General Meetings with clear resolutions.
- Asset protection & title verification program.
- Compliance with cooperative and land laws.
- Professional legal support on ongoing matters.
Impact
Sustainability & member value
Training & extension
Seasonal clinics on pruning, integrated pest management, and cherry quality—delivered with partners to boost yields.
Market access
Aggregated produce, efficient logistics and transparent marketing to improve farm-gate returns for members.
Community programs
Education support, youth mentorship and livelihoods initiatives that strengthen families across Murang’a.
Questions
Frequently asked
Disclosures
Public information
- 2019 Court of Appeal ruling supporting reversion of parcels.
- Subsequent filings in Environment & Land Court regarding titles & enforcement.
- Coverage of AGMs and cooperative revitalisation efforts.
Be part of the next chapter
Join a stable, forward-looking cooperative that puts farmers first—protecting assets, growing value and investing in community.