With nearly 700,000 coffee producers, roughly 70% of which are smallholder producers, Kenya shines as a unique coffee-producing country in East Africa. Within the Nyeri County is the Ndiaini Coffee Factory, belonging to the Rumukia Farmers’ Cooperative Society (FCS). There are roughly 500 smallholder producers contributing cherries to this lot, 280 men and 220 women.

Situated at roughly 1,850 meters above sea level, the region where the Factory is located is defined by its bright red soils, full of rich nutrients for coffee trees. The high altitude allows for cool temperatures and ideal rainfall for the slow maturation of coffee cherries. Producers will add manure, compost, coffee pulp and green manure to enrich their soil.

After the producers gather their ripe cherries, they will deliver them to the Factory. Generally, producers only travel 5 kilometers to deliver their coffee, utilizing wheelbarrows, bicycles and motorbikes. Once the cherries reach the mill, they are sorted and then dispersed on raised beds. The cherries remain here to dry in the open sun for 2 – 4 weeks, or until the moisture content reaches 12 – 13%. In order to prevent the growth of mold, the cherries are regularly raked, which also ensures an even drying.