Kenya coffee sector earns US$191.3M for HY 2025/2026 

KENYA – Kenya’s coffee sector has generated KES 24.7 billion (US$191.32M) in earnings during the first six months of the 2025/2026 coffee year, driven by strong auction activity at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE). 

Between October 2025 and March 2026, a total of 540,843 bags, equivalent to 33.24 million kilograms of coffee, were traded through the exchange.  

During this period, 75 percent of the coffee offered consisted of premium grades AA, AB, and C, which attracted both local and international buyers. 

In the first quarter of the coffee year, from October to December, the NCE recorded KES 9.5 billion in sales from 152,785 bags, reflecting steady demand for Kenyan coffee in global markets. 

Market reports indicate that Alliance Berries Limited, Kirinyaga Slopes, and New KPCU delivered the largest consignments at the auction.  

Alliance Berries Limited led with 178,910 bags, accounting for 33.08 percent of total volumes, followed by Kirinyaga Slopes with 83,506 bags (15.44 percent) and New KPCU with 75,393 bags (13.94 percent). 

Among dealers, Ibero emerged as the leading buyer, purchasing 172,566 bags, representing 31 percent of total volumes. Other major buyers included C Dorman’s, Kenyacof, and Taylor Winch, underscoring strong participation across the value chain. 

Agronomist John Chege, based at Kahuhia Cooperative Society, highlighted the role of farmer training in improving coffee quality and yields. “Every month, the farmers attend coffee husbandry sessions organised by the buyers to assist in the increase of the commodity,” he said. 

Chege added that New Murarandia Cooperative Society produced 1,428 bags of AA-grade coffee within six months, all of which were sold through the auction system. 

Meanwhile, NCE CEO Lisper Ndung’u announced a temporary suspension of trading activities. “In January, 119,381 bags of coffee were auctioned, followed by 134,602 bags in February and 134,075 bags in March,” she said, noting that the exchange will close for a recess from May 18 to June 23. 

The strong performance comes as the government intensifies reforms under the National Coffee Revival through the Cooperative Movement. The programme focuses on improving governance, increasing farmer support, and expanding production into new regions. 

The government aims to raise national coffee output from 50,000 to 150,000 metric tonnes by the 2028/2029 crop year, as part of efforts to revitalise the sector and enhance farmer incomes. 

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