Kenyan government roots for local coffee consumption to expand market

The government is committed to fostering a local coffee culture to support Kenyan farmers.

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, while opening ‘The Coffee Club’ restaurant in Lavington, Nairobi, celebrated the rise of coffee brewing centres, terming them as job creation centres.

“Growing local demand to 30-40% of our coffee production will shield farmers from global market shocks,” said Kinyanjui in satement seen by News 9 Kenya.

The CS has also called for stronger branding of Kenyan coffee, tea, and macadamia in global retail markets.

The Coffee Club, a renowned Australian cafe chain, is partnering with Luqman Petroleum to establish 25 stores across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda over the next decade.

Director of Energies at Luqman Petroleum, Mr. Assad Mohammed, says the strategic collaboration prioritises service excellence and fosters a shared dedication to quality.

“The Coffee Club’s global expertise in casual dining, with Luqman Petroleum’s deep understanding of the local landscape, promises a unique experience tailored to Kenyan tastes while maintaining the chain’s commitment to exceptional quality and service,” he said.

The Kenyan government’s efforts have boosted coffee production to 49,000 metric tons, with a target of 60,000–70,000 metric tons by 2027, achieved through expanded cultivation in Western Kenya, the Coast, and the Rift Valley.

Farmer payouts rose from KSh 81 to KSh 120 per kilogram, with a peak of KSh 172 in Nyeri County. Coffee value grew from USD 204.53 million (2022–23) to USD 229 million (2023–24). Local coffee consumption hit 4.17% of production in 2023–24, up from 1,164 to 1,961 metric tons—a 33.9% rise.