Five coffee-producing counties earned Sh17 billion in the first seven months of the 2024/2025 year.
Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Kericho and Nyeri are among the highest coffee-producing areas and collectively sold 19.2 million kilogrammes of cherry during this period.
This represents about 59 per cent of the country's total output, with Kirinyaga leading by contributing 17 per cent of the national volume, earning its farmers Sh5 billion.
Nyeri followed with 15 per cent, fetching Sh4.4 billion. Murang’a came third with 11 per cent, valued at Sh3.2 billion, while Kericho sold 253,581 kilogrammes worth Sh2.1 billion.
A report released by the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) indicated that the Central region was the leading producer, accounting for 51 per cent of the national output.
In terms of sales, NCE chief executive Lisper Ndung’u noted a substantial improvement in the premium AA grade across most counties, with Kiambu and Kericho recording the most significant increase – from 24 per cent to 34 per cent.
The AB grade dominated production in all counties, with Kiambu reaching the highest proportion at 53 per cent for the season.
“Notable trends include a general decrease in C-grade beans, while special grades like PB remained relatively consistent with modest fluctuations across the regions.”
Kirinyaga county achieved the highest prices, at $353 per 50kg bag of cherry, which is six per cent above the national average.
Nyeri and Murang’a also achieved well above the national average of $333, while Kiambu received $327 and Kericho $326 per 50kg bag.
Nandi county saw a remarkable increase in coffee prices, with the gross price per kilogramme rising from Sh86 in 2023/2024 to Sh130.
This season, the county produced coffee valued at Sh727 million, with the Kabunyeria co-operative achieving the highest price at Sh133 per kilogramme and Kipkechem paying Sh127.
Bungoma county produced 845,483kg – a 50 per cent drop from the previous year. Despite this, with 44 registered coffee co-operative societies, the county reported improved quality, leading to prices rising to an average of $319.
Ndung’u informed farmers that the NCE sample room would be closed for recess from May 12 to June 24, with the auction reopening on July 8.
The last sale, sale 29, was held on May 6 and saw 6,634 bags of coffee sold for Sh377 million, with an average price of $348 per bag, translating to Sh138 per kilogramme of cherry.
New KPCU sold the largest volume at 2,050 bags, followed by KCCE Marketing Agency with 1,702 bags and Minnesota Coffee Marketers at 787 bags.
