Kenya – Gichathaini AB

Kenya – Gichathaini AB

Nyeri County is renowned for its significant contribution to Kenya’s coffee production, standing out among other coffee-producing regions. This picturesque area lies nestled between the majestic Mt Kenya and the Aberdare ranges, located just to the east of the Great Rift Valley.

The climatic conditions and natural features of Nyeri create an ideal environment for coffee cultivation. The region boasts rich, red volcanic soils, a bountiful supply of rainfall, and gentle yet warm temperatures, all of which are essential elements for producing high-quality coffee.

When harvest time approaches, the coffee producers in Nyeri County embrace an organic approach, handpicking only the ripe cherries. Kenya experiences two distinct coffee crops each year. The early, or fly crop, is harvested between June and August, while the main or late crop is collected from October to March, predominantly from farms situated at higher altitudes.

Once the cherry-picking process is complete, they bag the freshly harvested cherries and transport them to the Gichathaini Factory’s wet mill. Here the cherries undergo de-pulping to remove their outer fruit layer. The remaining parchment is then transferred to tanks filled with water sourced from the nearby Ragati River. This river water, vital for the fermentation process, aids in breaking down the exterior mucilage of the cherries. At the mill, a strong commitment to conservation is evident, particularly concerning water usage. The mill collaborates with smallholder coffee producers who contribute their yield from small plots of 1ha or less.

Following the fermentation process, the coffee is spread out on raised beds to dry under the sun. Once the drying phase is complete, the coffee is hulled by the environmentally conscious Highlands Coffee Company. Subsequently, it is carefully bagged, preparing it for export. The coffee is either directly sold or made available for purchase at the Nairobi Coffee Auction.