Mtaani Innovation Hub has the potential to be a transformative space for Kenyan youth to drive innovation in the coffee value chain, particularly around coffee machinery fabrication and circular economy solutions. Here’s how the hub can engage youth in this sector: A good story for instance is how 4A Coffee Roasters by a Kenyan Youth is faricating innovative coffee roasters for the youth to start adding value to coffee.

1. Locally Fabricated Coffee Machinery for Smallholder Farmers

Kenyan youth can design and build affordable, efficient coffee processing equipment tailored for smallholder farmers, such as:

  • Manual/Electric Coffee Pulpers – Low-cost, durable alternatives to expensive imported machines.
  • Locally Made Coffee Roasters – Using recycled materials (e.g., repurposed drums, solar-powered elements).
  • Small-Scale Coffee Brewers & Grinders – For farmers to add value by producing ready-to-brew coffee.
  • Honeycomb Briquette Machines – Turning coffee husks into fuel briquettes for roasting.

Training Approach:

  • Partner with technical institutes & artisans to teach welding, machining, and prototyping.
  • Hackathons to design low-cost, efficient machines.

2. Circular Economy Innovations in Coffee Waste

Youth can explore sustainable ways to repurpose coffee by-products:

  • Coffee Husk Briquettes – Fuel for roasting or cooking.
  • Coffee Pulp Fertilizer/Compost – Organic soil enrichment for farming.
  • Coffee Silverskin in Food Products – High-fiber ingredient for snacks.
  • Biodegradable Packaging – Made from coffee chaff or husks.

Training Approach:

  • Workshops on waste-to-value business models.
  • Partnerships with agri-tech and green energy startups.

3. Digital & Business Skills for Coffee Tech

  • IoT & Smart Farming – Youth can develop sensors for moisture monitoring in coffee drying.
  • E-Commerce Platforms – Connecting farmers with buyers of locally made machines.
  • Maintenance & Repair Services – Creating jobs in servicing coffee equipment.

4. Funding & Market Linkages

  • Crowdfunding & Grants – Support youth-led prototypes.
  • Farmer Cooperatives – Pilot and distribute machines.
  • Export Opportunities – Scale innovations to other coffee-producing regions.

Why This Works for Kenyan Youth

✅ Job Creation – Manufacturing, repairs, and waste upcycling.
✅ Empowering Farmers – Affordable tools boost productivity.
✅ Sustainability – Reduces waste, promotes green energy.

Mtaani FabLabs can help turn coffee waste into new products:

  • 3D-printed products from coffee husk bioplastics (e.g., packaging, utensils).
  • Laser-cut recycled metal/wood for briquette machines.
  • DIY compost tumblers for coffee pulp fertilizer.

Example:

  • FabLab Winam (Kisumu) has worked on waste recycling projects—similar models can apply to coffee byproducts.