Sector Wide Sustainability Assessment Coffee - Validation Forum Held in Nairobi

                                     

KNCCI Kirinyaga chapter posing for a photo at the event

By Kinana Munene              

Nairobi, April 24, 2025 — Coffee stakeholders from across the country gathered at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi for a Sector-Wide Sustainability Assessment Coffee Validation Forum, organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). The event aimed to address key challenges in the coffee sector, evaluate the effectiveness of due diligence mechanisms, and facilitate dialogue among industry players.

This forum was part of a series of initiatives by KNCCI, including the Switch Africa Green Project, nationwide Business and Human Rights training, and the establishment of a Private Sector Network,scheduled for April 29–30.

KNCCI national office representative Miss Joyce welcomed the attendees 

         

The validation exercise focused on six counties — Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Embu, Kiambu, Narok, and Kericho — and involved extensive consultation with coffee workers, buyers, and other industry stakeholders.

A representative from the Danish Institute for Human Rights highlighted the three pillars of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs): Protect, Respect, and Remedy, emphasizing their relevance to the coffee sector.

Mr. Harrison Mugo Karlo, Chairperson from Kiambu, stressed the importance of improving yields by enhancing existing coffee stems to achieve a target of 35 kilograms per stem, a key element in Kiambu's Coffee Value Development St

Miss Anna Mutinda from the State Department of Cooperatives discussed the need for continued quality assessment and capacity building at the county level. She noted challenges such as low farmer turnout at training sessions but celebrated milestones like the government's success in digitizing cooperative activities by supplying laptops, digital weighing scales, and printers.

Representing the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, Miss Rhoda clarified a common misconception: coffee prices are determined by the market, not by the Exchange itself. She emphasized that 80% of the revenue from coffee sales goes directly to the farmer, with only 20% covering other stakeholders' costs.

From Kirinyaga County, Mr. David Kariuki underscored the critical need for farmer training, particularly in grafting techniques to improve coffee plant resilience and yield. Echoing this, Mr. Charles Nzioka of Rainforest Alliance reaffirmed the importance of sustained farmer education.

Mr. Daniel from KNUSSTOF represented the consumer association.

                                      

Mr. Christopher Mwangi from KPCU Sagana also addressed the gathering, firmly denying allegations that the union purchases stolen cherries.

In a major announcement, Miss Cynthia Nyawira, Economic Diplomacy Director at KNCCI, revealed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China to facilitate the sale of coffee products worth up to Ksh 5 million duty-free. She encouraged farmers and exporters to register for the upcoming Trade Mission to China, scheduled for June 12–15, 2025, by contacting Rabella, Head of the KNCCI Secretariat on +254741250250.

Mr. James Munene Mbuthia director at KNCCI Kirinyaga chapter signing the visitors book

                              

The event was officially closed by Director Ken Onditi, who warmly acknowledged the presence of the youngest farmer at the forum Mr. Lincoln Muriuki Wahome. In his concluding remarks, he emphasized the journey of coffee "from cup to farm," reminding participants of the essential link between the beverage enjoyed globally and the hard-working farmers who cultivate it.

As Kenya strengthens its coffee value chain, such dialogues and collaborative initiatives remain pivotal in driving sustainable growth and ensuring a fair and profitable future for coffee farmers across the country.