A Joint Initiative of Kenya Coffee School & Barista Mtaani
Background :
Kenya’s coffee sector has long been defined by export-driven value chains, leaving local farmers and youth with little opportunity to benefit from higher-value segments like roasting, branding, and direct-to-consumer marketing. At the same time, domestic coffee consumption in Kenya remains relatively low compared to production potential.
To address these challenges, Kenya Coffee School (KCS) and Barista Mtaani have launched the Kenya Youth and Women Coffee Farmers Innovation Hub (KYWCH)—a pioneering platform that supports farmers, youth, and women entrepreneurs to capture more value from their coffee.
Vision :
To empower Kenyan coffee farmers, youth, and women with access to technology, knowledge, and markets, building a new culture of local coffee consumption and entrepreneurship.
Key Offerings :
Free Coffee Roasting Facility (Kickstart Program) Farmers can roast up to 15kgs of green coffee free of charge. The goal: enable them to experience value addition and build confidence in local consumption. After the first 15kgs, roasting will be charged at KSh 100 per kilogram, ensuring sustainability and accessibility.
Branding & Packaging Consultancy Guidance : on brand creation, packaging design, and storytelling that highlights farmer identity and origin. Training on cost-effective packaging solutions that appeal to the Kenyan consumer market.
Digital Tools for Market Access : Support in digital marketing, e-commerce platforms, and social media branding. Training in using QR codes, traceability tools, and digital payment systems to connect directly with consumers. Training & Innovation Hub Services, Workshops on coffee quality, roasting techniques, and brewing methods. Mentorship programs linking youth and women to local cafés, hotels, and direct-sale opportunities. Networking sessions that connect farmers to buyers, Consumers and coffee enthusiasts.
Target Groups : Youth & Women Farmers in coffee-producing counties. Farmer Cooperatives seeking to diversify revenue streams. Smallholder Coffee Farmers exploring direct-to-market models. Young Entrepreneurs in the coffee and creative economy.
Expected Outcomes : Increased Local Consumption: More Kenyans drinking Kenyan coffee. Enhanced Farmer Incomes : Farmers capturing more value through roasting and branding. Youth & Women Empowerment: Equipping marginalized groups with tools to lead in the coffee value chain. Innovation in Coffee: New coffee brands, cafés, and market models emerging from grassroots initiatives.
Sustainability Model : Free first 15kgs roasting per farmer as an entry incentive. Subsequent roasting at KSh 100 per kg to cover operational costs. Revenue reinvested in maintaining equipment, training, and outreach programs. Partnerships with cafés, hotels, and supermarkets to create market pull for local coffee.
Impact :
The Kenya Youth and Women Coffee Farmers Innovation Hub (KYWCH) by Barista Mtaani and Kenya Coffee School is more than a roasting facility—it’s a catalyst for economic transformation, inclusivity, and culture change in Kenya’s coffee sector. By lowering entry barriers and equipping farmers with branding and digital tools, the hub ensures that Kenyan coffee is not only grown in Kenya but also consumed, celebrated, and owned by Kenyans.
Partners : Call : +254704375390 or +254707503647
