Nairobi: Kenya’s coffee industry has recorded earnings of Sh24.7 billion within the first six months of the 2025/2026 coffee year, following strong sales at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE).
According to Kenya News Agency, a total of 540,843 bags of coffee weighing 33,240,042 kilograms were traded between October last year and March this year, highlighting renewed momentum in the sector.
During the period under review, about 75 percent of the coffee presented for sale consisted of premium grades AA, AB, and C. These grades attracted strong demand from both local and international buyers, contributing significantly to the high returns. In the opening quarter of the coffee year, from October to December, the exchange earned Sh. 9.5 billion from the sale of 152,785 bags of coffee.
Data from the market further showed that Alliance Berries Limited, Kirinyaga Slopes, and New KPCU handled the highest volumes of coffee delivered to the auction by farmers and estates. Alliance Berries Limited led the pack after presenting 178,910 bags, representing 33.08 percent of the total coffee traded. Kirinyaga Slopes followed with 83,506 bags or 15.44 percent, while New KPCU offered 75,393 bags, equivalent to 13.94 percent.
Among coffee dealers, Ibero emerged as the leading buyer after purchasing 172,566 bags, accounting for 31 percent of the total volumes sold. Other notable buyers included C.Dormans with 89,809 bags, Kenyacof with 69,223 bags, and Taylor Winch with 62,856 bags.
In an interview with KNA, an agronomist attached to a buyer at Kahuhia Cooperative Society of Murang’a, John Chege, attributed the improved performance to continuous farmer training on proper crop management. He observed that coffee growers have been receiving guidance on pruning, pest management, and disease control to help raise productivity and improve quality. Chege noted that New Murarandia Cooperative Society alone managed to produce 1,428 bags of AA grade coffee in the last six months, all of which were sold through the auction. ‘Every month, farmers attend coffee husbandry sessions organized by buyers to help improve production of the crop,’ added Chege.
Kigumo Member of Parliament Joseph Munyoro said coffee prices this year had been encouraging, crediting farmers for their commitment and hard work. ‘This year prices are better compared to last year. Farmers should continue following advice given by agronomists to sustain these gains,’ said Munyoro, who is also a member of the Coffee Tea Parliamentary Association.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Coffee Exchange Chief Executive Officer Lisper Ndung’u had announced that coffee trading at the exchange will break for recess from May 18 to June 23. She explained that monthly auction figures remained strong, with 119,381 bags sold in January, 134,602 bags in February, and 134,075 bags in March.
