Kenyan farmers reap big as coffee market earns Sh1.3 billion

The coffee market generated Sh1.3 billion after local and international dealers purchased 24,206 bags, reflecting the sector's steady growth.

According to a report by the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE), in the brokers' category, Kirinyaga Slope led with the sale of 7,646 bags, earning Sh447.3 million. It was followed by Alliance Berries Limited, which fetched Sh279.3 million from 5,701 bags.

New KPCU sold 3,040 bags for Sh178.1 million, while CEBBA auctioned 340 bags for Sh19.3 million.

The Kangocho factory, under the Gikanda Society, achieved the highest price, selling Grade NL coffee at Sh59,916 per bag through Alliance Berries Limited.

Other factories that recorded high prices per bag of Grade AA included Chorongoi at Sh54,080, Winchester Little at Sh55,247, Ndiaini at Sh56,332.50, and Ruara at Sh56,203.

In the market, coffee brokers presented 3,534 bags of AA Grade, making up 18.7 percent, and 5,353 bags of AB Grade, accounting for 28 percent.

NCE CEO Lipser Ndung’u said 16 coffee dealers participated in the auction, showing a strong interest in high-quality grades. She emphasised the need for farmers to increase production to meet the growing market demand.

“The dealers have been visiting farms through the leadership of cooperatives, highlighting the need for quality improvement,” said Ms Ndung’u.

Peter Gikonyo, a coffee farmer, urged the government to support growers in increasing production. He said there is a need for close cooperation between farmers and the government to boost production and meet market demand.

In the dealers' category, Ibero Kenya bought 8,339 bags, Louis Dreyfus purchased 5,058 bags, Kenyacof acquired 2,751 bags, C. Dorman secured 2,583 bags, Taylor Winch took 1,951 bags, while Sasini bought 1,398 bags.

According to the NCE report, Bekas Systems purchased 68 kg of coffee worth Sh13,933.