Henry Gichuhi Kinyua appointed Chairperson of Coffee Board of Kenya
Kinyua takes charge as Kenya’s coffee earnings rise and international buyers call for increased production to meet growing demand for Kenyan coffee.
KENYA – Henry Gichuhi Kinyua has been appointed Non-Executive Chairperson of the Coffee Board of Kenya, effective September 4, 2026, for a three-year term.
According to Gazette Notice No. 14143, the appointment was made under Section 7 (1) (a) of the Coffee Act (No. 8 of 2026). The Coffee Board of Kenya regulates and promotes the country’s coffee industry.
The board was revived following the implementation of the Coffee Act 2023, restoring regulatory oversight of the coffee sector after years of reforms affecting coffee marketing and milling.
Kinyua brings more than two decades of experience in agricultural policy and coffee sector strategy across Kenya and East Africa. He previously served as Nyeri County’s Agriculture Executive, where he championed reforms targeting smallholder coffee and tea farmers.
In December 2019, Kinyua was appointed Chairperson of the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (KPCU) board by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. During his tenure, he led efforts to revive the coffee miller through the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund and technology-driven reforms.
Kinyua has also served as National Programme Coordinator for the ACTS Programme at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), advising on crops and agricultural value chains.
His appointment comes as Kenya’s coffee earnings continue to increase following recent sector reforms. The market generated Kes 896.56 million (US$6.93M) from the sale of 15,906 bags at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE), up from Kes 839 million (US$46.48M) the previous week.
Farmers offered 1,208 bags of Grade AA, 6,298 bags of Grade AB and 4,534 bags of Grade C during the auction.
According to the NCE report, Gakuyu factory in Kirinyaga achieved the highest price, receiving Kes 59,676.45 per bag for Grade AA coffee. Karani factory of Kabare FCS followed at Kes 57,734.70 (US$446.09), while Gititu factory in Kiambu recorded Kes 55,792.95 (US$431.08).
NCE CEO Lisper Ndung’u said strong buyer interest in Kenyan coffee was creating an opportunity for farmers to increase production.
“There is a general demand for Kenya’s coffee in the international market. We call upon the farmers to double their production to help meet the growth among the buyers,” Ndung’u said.
Fifteen dealers participated in the weekly market, according to Ndung’u, who expressed hopes that more buyers would participate in future auctions.
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