Kenya

Kenya's Coffee Industry

Kenya produces almost exclusively Arabica coffee, with annual output forecast at 750,000 60-kg bags for the 2024/25 season, down 6.3% from the previous year due to stagnation in harvested area and declining yields. Robusta is not commercially cultivated. Coffee exports are expected to reach 720,000 bags, with the United States, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and South Korea among the top destinations.

Climate change is increasingly affecting Kenya’s coffee sector. Erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and prolonged droughts have disrupted flowering cycles and increased the prevalence of coffee berry disease and leaf rust. These impacts are compounded by soil degradation and limited access to climate-resilient inputs. The government has responded by distributing disease-resistant seedlings and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, though adoption remains uneven.

Political and structural challenges include governance within cooperative societies, delayed payments, and fragmented supply chains. Recent reforms have abolished marketing agents and introduced a Direct Settlement System (DSS) for farmer payments, but implementation delays have disrupted cash flow and post-harvest logistics. Licensing responsibilities have been decentralized to county governments, and the Nairobi Coffee Exchange is now regulated by the Capital Markets Authority, aiming to improve transparency and price discovery.

Kenya’s production model is dominated by smallholders, who account for over 70% of output and operate through cooperatives. Coffee is grown in high-altitude regions such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Embu, producing beans known for their bright acidity and complex flavour profiles. Specialty coffee is central to Kenya’s export strategy, with AA, AB, and PB grades commanding premium prices. Large estates exist but represent a small share of national output.

For UK and EU Buyers

Shipping times to the UK are typically 40 to 45 days by sea from Mombasa port.

Kenya remains a key origin for UK and EU buyers seeking high-quality Arabica, but sourcing requires attention to climate resilience, cooperative reform, and evolving regulatory frameworks.