In a landmark move to revitalize its coffee sector, Kenya is establishing a state-of-the-art Coffee Training Center (CTC) at the Coffee Research Institute (CRI) in Ruiru. Spearheaded by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the facility is set to become a regional hub for excellence in coffee processing, quality control, and entrepreneurship.
The new training center will offer comprehensive programs in green coffee grading, cupping, roasting, blending, brewing, packaging, and business development—equipping professionals across the value chain with critical skills to thrive in both domestic and international markets.
“This training center will not only provide coffee professionals with essential skills but also open new opportunities for job creation and economic growth,” said Leonard Kubok, Deputy Director at the State Department of Agriculture, speaking on behalf of Principal Secretary Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh. “We believe that strengthening capacity at all levels of the coffee value chain will ensure long-term success.”
The initiative is part of the broader ARABIKA Project, which seeks to enhance the quality and marketability of Kenyan coffee through strategic public-private partnerships. The center aims to improve coordination among farmers, cooperatives, exporters, and international buyers—fortifying Kenya’s reputation as a top-tier coffee producer.
According to Henry Kinyua of the President’s Economic Transformation Secretariat, Kenya’s coffee industry supports more than 700,000 rural households and is a major contributor to the country’s employment and foreign exchange earnings. “Strategic collaborations such as the ARABIKA Project are critical to ensuring that Kenya maintains its global reputation for high-quality coffee,” he said.
Tigania West MP Dr. John Kanyuithia Mutunga highlighted the sector’s untapped potential, emphasizing the need for improved production practices and policy support. “Coffee is a high-value crop, and Kenya has an opportunity to surpass its historical peak of 130,000 metric tons. By adopting high-yield varieties and modern farming techniques, farmers can increase production per tree to over 15 kilograms,” he noted.
Construction of the training center is expected to conclude later this year, with programs launching shortly thereafter. Stakeholders across the industry are optimistic that the facility will usher in a new era of innovation, quality assurance, and economic empowerment for Kenya’s coffee sector.
