Kenya’s Finest Coffee Producers Celebrated at "Taste of Harvest" Breakfast Awards

By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer 16th January 2026 

AFA NAIROBI, KENYA – In a vibrant celebration of quality and craftsmanship, Kenya’s top coffee producers were honored this morning during a breakfast meeting in Nairobi. The event recognized the winners of the Kenya National Taste of Harvest Coffee Competition, a premier initiative aimed at cementing the country’s reputation in the high-value global specialty coffee market.

The ceremony brought together a powerful coalition of industry leaders, smallholder farmers, and government regulators, all focused on a singular mission: revitalizing Kenya’s "black gold" through quality-driven excellence.

A Platform for Excellence

Representatives from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) praised the awardees, noting that their success reflects the innovation and resilience of the Kenyan coffee farmer. The Taste of Harvest platform—a partnership between the AFA and the Africa Fine Coffees Association (AFCA)—is designed to showcase Kenya’s high-quality Arabica coffee, which remains a favorite in international markets for its distinctive flavor and consistency.

During the evaluation, samples were subjected to the rigorous Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scoring system, where an experienced panel of judges assessed each lot for aroma, acidity, body, and overall profile.

Inclusive Growth and Record Participation

This year’s competition marked a significant milestone for inclusivity. Participation surged to 100 coffee samples, a nearly 80% increase from the 56 submitted in the previous cycle. This growth was largely attributed to the waiver of the USD 300 entry fee for non-AFCA members, a strategic move by organizers to ensure that even smallholder farmers and smaller estates could compete on a level playing field.

By removing financial barriers, we have unlocked the hidden potential of producers who are growing world-class coffee but previously lacked a gateway to the global stage," noted one industry regulator during the event.

The Economic Backbone

Coffee remains a critical pillar of Kenya’s economy, as illustrated by the sector's scale:

Indicator Impact Statistics 

 Livelihoods Supported  Over 6 Million People 

Smallholder Farmers  Approx. 800,000 

Current Annual Production  40,000 – 50,000 Metric Tonnes 

 Primary Export Target  Premium Global Specialty Markets 

Revitalizing the Subsector

While the awards celebrated success, speakers also highlighted the need for continued growth. National production currently fluctuates between 40,000 and 50,000 metric tonnes, prompting the Government to implement targeted interventions:

 Tree Rehabilitation: Focus on rejuvenating aging coffee trees to boost yield per hectare.

  Climate-Smart Practices: Encouraging sustainable farming to protect against erratic weather.

 Traceability and Compliance: Ensuring Kenyan coffee meets new global standards, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

The winners of the national competition will now proceed to the Regional African Taste of Harvest Competition, where they will represent Kenya against the finest lots from across the continent.

By rewarding excellence at the farm level, the Taste of Harvest initiative ensures that the financial benefits of premium coffee reach those who work hardest—the farmers—while strengthening Kenya’s position as a leading origin for specialty coffee.