Nairobi: Kenya's coffee industry is set for a major transformation following the groundbreaking ceremony of a Coffee Training Centre (CTC) at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)-Coffee Research Institute (CRI). The event, held at the institute, also marked the successful conclusion of the Action to Re-Launch Agriculture and Branding Internationalization of Kenyan Coffee in and out of Africa (ARABIKA) Project, highlighting the power of strategic partnerships in revitalizing the sector.
According to Kenya News Agency, funded by the Government of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) at a cost of 3 million Euros, the ARABIKA Project has been instrumental in enhancing Kenya's coffee industry. The project was implemented by CEFA, E4Impact, and AVSI Foundation in collaboration with key stakeholders, including county governments and cooperative societies.
The Chairman of the Agriculture Committee in Parliament Dr. John Mutunga lauded the initiative, stating: "The ARABIKA Project has been a game-changer for our coffee farmers. By focusing on quality enhancement, sustainability, and governance, we are positioning Kenyan coffee for even greater global recognition."
The ARABIKA Project focused on building coffee tasting skills by training farmers in cupping techniques, enabling them to assess and enhance the quality and competitiveness of their produce. "Over the past years, the initiative has empowered farmers with critical knowledge, improved production techniques, and strengthened international market linkages, ensuring the country's coffee retains its premium status," said Lorenza Gambocorta, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy.
To promote sustainability, the project integrated climate-smart agricultural practices, including effective disease control and eco-friendly post-harvest handling methods. In addition, coffee growers and cooperative societies benefited from managerial and governance training aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in operations.
A key component of the initiative was the digital mapping of coffee farms, which strengthened traceability and facilitated data-driven decision-making. Furthermore, the project worked on developing traceable Kenyan coffee brands, ensuring access to high-value international markets and strengthening Kenya's position in the global coffee industry.
"We have worked tirelessly to ensure that Kenyan coffee farmers are well-equipped with the necessary skills, technologies, and resources to compete effectively in the global market," said Valeria Buoninfante, Ag. Director, AICS. Through these efforts, 78 Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) from seven counties-Nyeri, Meru, Kiambu, Murang'a, Embu, Machakos, and Bungoma-have been trained. Additionally, 53 coffee technicians and 151 young service providers have been equipped with essential skills in top-working, pruning, and grafting, ensuring farmers receive expert technical support.
As the ARABIKA Project concludes, KALRO, through CRI, reaffirmed its dedication to research, innovation, and capacity building to address emerging challenges in the coffee sector. "While today marks the end of the ARABIKA Project, it is just the beginning of a new era for our coffee farmers. We are committed to ensuring that coffee farming remains profitable and sustainable," said Violet Kirigua, Deputy Director, representing Dr. Eliud Kireger, Director-General of KALRO.
A major highlight of the event was the groundbreaking of the Coffee Training Centre (CTC), a facility supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The CTC will serve as a centre of excellence for green coffee quality control, cupping, roasting, blending, brewing, packaging, coffee entrepreneurship and professional development. "This training centre will not only provide coffee professionals with essential skills but also open new opportunities for job creation and economic growth. We believe that strengthening capacity at all levels of the coffee value chain will ensure long-term success," said Leonard Kubok, Deputy Director, State Department of Agriculture who represented the Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh.
The CTC aims to foster stronger linkages between farmers, cooperatives, traders, and international buyers-ensuring that Kenyan coffee continues to command a premium position in global markets. "The coffee sub-sector remains a crucial pillar of Kenya's economy, supporting over 700,000 rural households and contributing significantly to employment and foreign exchange earnings. Strategic collaborations such as the ARABIKA Project are critical to ensuring that Kenya maintains its global reputation for high-quality coffee," said Henry Kinyua from the Executive Office of the President-President Economic Transformation Secretariat.
Highlighting Kenya's potential in the coffee industry, Tigania West Member of Parliament Dr. John Kanyuithia Mutunga stated, "Coffee is a high-value crop, and Kenya has an opportunity to surpass the 130,000 metric tonnes that it used to reach previously by exploiting every favourable land for coffee, as well as increasing production per tree to more than 15 kg. This can be achieved with correct policies that support farmers in having the right varieties, farming techniques, and good returns."
Also present were the Deputy County Commissioner for Juja Daniel Ndege, various heads of departments from the county and coffee farmers. Yesterday's groundbreaking ceremony was not just about infrastructure; it was about shaping the future of Kenya's coffee industry. With sustained investment in research, training, and market expansion, the sector is poised for long-term transformation, benefiting farmers, traders, and coffee lovers worldwide.