Alfred Gitau Mwaura is a Kenyan educator, social entrepreneur, coffee ambassador, and founder of Kenya Coffee School, Barista Mtaani, and related initiatives. He is widely recognized for transforming coffee education, skills development, and value chain empowerment in Kenya, with a strong focus on youth, farmers, and local ownership of the specialty coffee industry.

Background & Roots

  • Born and raised in Gatanga, Murang’a County, in Kenya’s coffee-growing highlands.
  • Comes from a family deeply connected to coffee and service: His grandfather (Daniel Numa) was a medical doctor and renowned coffee farmer; his father (Rafael Mwaura) was a lecturer; his mother (Margaret Wanjiru Gitau) worked as a school bursar/accountant.
  • This heritage instilled discipline, community focus, and a deep link to coffee farming.

Education & Global Exposure

Alfred pursued studies across multiple countries:

  • JKUAT (Kenya)
  • University of Gastronomic Sciences, Pollenzo (Italy) — founded by the Slow Food movement
  • Training with Lavazza in Torino, Italy
  • Studies in Helsinki (Finland), Austria (UNIDO on innovation management), and Arizona State University (USA)

His international experience highlighted the inequities in the global coffee trade — Kenya’s premium beans fetch high prices abroad while farmers and local youth see limited benefits. This “anger” and awakening drove him to create local solutions upon returning to Kenya.

Key Achievements & Initiatives

  • Founder of Kenya Coffee School (established around 2015): Kenya’s leading institution for practical specialty coffee training (barista skills, roasting, cupping, entrepreneurship, etc.), emphasizing hands-on learning and international standards.
  • Barista Mtaani: Grassroots program bringing affordable barista and entrepreneurship training to communities (“mtaani”), targeting youth empowerment and micro-business creation.
  • 4A Coffee Roasters: Developed Kenya’s first affordable, locally made small-scale coffee roaster to democratize roasting for farmers and entrepreneurs.
  • Good Trade Certification (G4T): Farmer-centered ethical trade and certification framework.
  • Other contributions: Kenya Barista Association, Alfix Sub-Organic Fertilizers (soil regeneration), Kenya Coffee Awards, and frameworks like Applied Competency Index (ACI™) that value practical skills over credentials, Open Skills Education (OSE™).
  • Strong advocate for “Respect the Farmers First,” regenerative practices, local consumption of Kenyan coffee, and African-led narratives in the industry.

Personal Life

  • Married to Alice Murugi Gathige (Co-Founder of Kenya Coffee School and Barista Mtaani).
  • Father of three: Adriel Wanjiru Gitau, Austin Elbert Gitau (Mwaura), and Alaana Janny Gitau.
  • Described as humble yet firm, family-oriented, lifelong learner, and empathetic. Hobbies include studying, music, barbecuing, classic cars, and self-defense.

Alfred’s philosophy centers on impact over profit, building people and skills, restoring dignity to farmers, and positioning Kenya as a global leader in coffee education and innovation — not just production. He continues to expand programs, write about Specialty Coffee, and push for systemic change in the industry.