Regional coffee stakeholders’ forum on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

Travel Tuesdays by Kinana Munene: Reporting from Abai Lodge, Kagio

4th November 2025

A regional coffee stakeholders’ forum on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was held at Abai Lodge, Kagio, bringing together industry players, government representatives, and trade partners in a robust dialogue on compliance, sustainability, and market access for Kenyan coffee. The event was jointly hosted by TradeMark Africa, SIDA, and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).

The forum, moderated by Fridah from Brixton alongside Rose Mukami from KNCCI, provided a platform for key voices in the coffee value chain to address the implications of EUDR on regional and national levels.

KNCCI Leadership Speaks

Representatives from KNCCI included Mrs. Esther from Murang’a Chapter, Mrs. Evah Mukumbu from Kiambu Chapter, Mr. Garishon (Director and Vice Chair, Kirinyaga Chapter), and Mrs. Lucy Njine Maina (Director, KNCCI National League)

In her address, Mrs. Njine invited attendees to join KNCCI, emphasizing the Chamber’s role in market access, advocacy, financial partnerships, and the issuance of Certificates of Origin through KNCCI’s China office. She highlighted a 6% return on investment and stressed KNCCI’s function as a vital link between business communities and relevant authorities.

Insights from TradeMark Africa and AfA

Joining via Zoom, Mr. Simon from TradeMark Africa underscored their commitment to inclusive trade, data transparency, and enhancing understanding of EUDR implications.

Mr. Felix Mutwiri from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) detailed the EUDR requirements and progress, while Mr. Samuel Mwau from the Coffee Directorate offered an overview of the regulation’s national framework.

Participants raised concerns about **market access, carbon returns, non-compliant farmers, and direct engagement with coffee buyers, as well as the role of content creators in farmer education.

Data and Compliance Progress

Mr. Baraka from KAFA, responsible for consolidating national data, reported significant progress 18 counties have completed data collection, with Kirinyaga at 90% completion. The partnership aims to finalize the process before January 2026, ensuring documentation aligns with SDGs and EUDR compliance.

Mr. Patrick Nyagah from ACCD SDC Nairobi addressed cooperative specifications and challenges including geo-mapping, traceability, financial constraints, and training burdens for small-scale farmers. He noted the looming deadline of 30th December 2025 for compliance.

Kirinyaga County’s Coffee Legacy

Representing Kirinyaga County Government, Mr. Hanniel Kinyua (standing in for Mr. Hubert Munene Njeri) reaffirmed that “Kirinyaga is equal to coffee,” noting the county’s position as Kenya’s second-largest producer after Kiambu, with 85% of production through cooperatives.

He highlighted 15 cooperatives and 75 wet mills, citing Baragwi Cooperative as the largest, producing 12 million kilograms of coffee in 2024, valued at KSh 1.6 billion.

The county’s support for farmers includes training, geo-mapping, licensing, financial aid through 20 SACCOs, and last-mile fertilizer distribution. Two value addition machines at Muirua and Mutira coffee factories have enhanced local consumption. Construction of a central storage godown, currently 90% complete, aims to address storage challenges.

KEBS and Certification

Mr. Momanyi from KEBS explained the agency’s certification process, clarifying that counterfeit regulation falls under a different body. He introduced the Standardization Mark (S-Mark), mandatory for all locally manufactured goods, and walked participants through the online certification process via KIMS.

He emphasized that certification builds consumer confidence, facilitates trade, and enhances market access. Responding to a question from Director Lucy Njine, he confirmed that investors may partner in coffee roasting, provided a signed agreement is presented to KEBS

Closing Remarks and Reflections

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Benjamin Tito, who commended TradeMark Africa for organizing the forum. He urged stakeholders to embrace local consumption, adapt to changing market dynamics, and position Kenya as a price setter in coffee exports.

The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A featuring Calvin Baraka, Moses Mutuku (Eprod), and Patrick Nyaga. Attendees posed pressing questions, with Director Lucy Njine stepping in to commend Baraka for his composure and dedication despite his young age.

The forum at Abai Lodge underscored the collective will to align Kenya’s coffee sector with global sustainability standards while ensuring farmers, cooperatives, and local industries thrive in the new regulatory landscape.

Reported by Kinana Munene, Travel Tuesdays