Kenya AB Top - Kiamabara

Kiamabara Coffee Factory, affiliated with the Mugaga Farmers’ Cooperative Society, was established in 1995 after splitting from the larger Mathira F.C.S. It lies near Kabare town in the Gichugu division of Nyeri County, close to Karatina. With approximately 3,000 active members, each owning an average of around half a hectare of land for coffee cultivation alongside other crops, Kiamabara benefits from deep, fertile, well-drained red volcanic soils. The factory, situated at about 1,900 meters above sea level, receives 1,150 mm of annual rainfall. Kiamabara employs wet processing, emphasizing environmental conservation by building waste water pits. The coffee undergoes meticulous care during fermentation, washing, soaking, and drying on raised tables. The factory actively supports its members through agronomic advice, training programs, and field visits, ensuring sustainable practices.

Growing Coffee in Kenya

Coffee is grown through the highland regions of Kenya, including Kisii, Nyanza, and Bungoma in the west; Nakuru and Kericho in the Great Rift Valley; Machakos, Embu, and Meru to the east of Mt. Kenya; and the Taita hills near the coast. The largest and oldest coffee growing areas are the central highlands, particularly Nyeri, sandwiched between the foothills of Mt Kenya to the east and the Aberdare mountain range to the west. Most coffee in Kenya is grown between 4,500 and 6,500 feet. Nearly all of Kenya’s 700,000 coffee producers are small land holders belonging to cooperatives. Most common varieties in Kenya are Ruiru 11, SL28, SL34, and K7. SL34 and K7 were developed from heirloom bourbon known as “French Mission,” which was the primary variety grown prior to the 1930’s that can still be found today, as can Blue Mountain on some farms. Kenyan coffees are graded by screen size and while there are several grades, specialty coffee is AA, AB, or PB (peaberry), used in combination with quality grade FAQ or FAQ Plus (Fair Average Quality).