Kenya washed Arabica AA Top, Kiamabara

Unshipped
Quantity Available: 21 GrainPro bags of 60kg
SKU
103733.4-1806
More Information
Unit of Measure GrainPro bags of 60kg
Status Unshipped
Warehouse At Origin
Bag Type Grain Pro
Crop 24/25
Batch 103733.4
Variety SL28, SL24, Ruiru 11
Region Kabare, Nyeri County
Process Washed
Grade AA Top
Producer Kiamabara Coffee Factory

Coffee was first introduced to Kenya in the 1890s when French missionaries brought Bourbon seeds from the island of Réunion. Today, coffee cultivation in the East African nation covers a total area of 160,000 hectares. Kenya is the fifth-largest coffee producer in Africa and is globally recognized as a prominent specialty coffee origin.

This coffee comes from Nyeri’s central region, specifically Kabare in the Gichugu Division, Mathira East Sub-County, home to the Kiamabara Coffee Factory. As a leading coffee processing facility in Nyeri County, Kiamabara is renowned for its specialty coffee.The factory operates under the Mugaga Farmers’ Cooperative Society, supporting over 900 smallholder farmers by providing quality processing, training, and fair market access. The cooperative also offers farmer support programs, including training in good agricultural practices and financial management, access to high-quality seedlings and farm inputs, as well as investment in education and healthcare.

Most farmers delivering to Kiamabara cultivate small plots of approximately 0.25 hectares, growing SL28, SL34, and Ruiru 11 varieties. These thrive in the region’s high altitudes, cool temperatures, and deep, fertile volcanic soil.This fully washed lot showcases the exceptional quality of Kiamabara coffee. Only ripe cherries are selectively hand-picked before being mechanically pulped and fermented in tanks for 12–24 hours to break down the mucilage. The beans are then washed in water channels, sorted by size and density, and soaked for an additional 24–48 hours— a unique Kenyan processing step to enhance complexity. Finally, they are sun-dried on raised beds for 7–14 days, with frequent turning to ensure even drying.

The equator passes directly through this East African gem. Despite its tropical climate, Kenya experiences some nice cool-offs through the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria. Flat savannahs home to an abundance of wildlife rise to central highlands, peaked by Mount Kenya at 5,199 m. It is here, where lush slopes are turned into fertile farmlands, creating ideal conditions for cofThe equator runs right through this pearl of East Africa. Despite its tropical climate, Kenya is cooled by the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria. From the flat savannahs with their diverse flora and fauna rise the highlands, whose highest peak is Mount Kenya at 5,199 meters. Here, where the lush slopes give way to fertile farmland, the coffee plant thrives.

The combination of red volcanic soil, high altitudes, and an ideal climate have a decisive impact on the fruity, nearly juicy aromas characterizing these coffees. Due to its geographical location on the equator, there is only little distinction between the different seasons in Kenya.

As opposed to its neighbor Ethiopia, coffee cultivation is relatively new to the county and only started in the early 1900s. Today, agriculture is the major contributor to Kenya's GDP, among which coffee ranks third behind tea and horticultural produce. The total area under coffee cultivation in Kenya is estimated at 160,000 hectares.

Plantations make up about one-third of the area. However, the largest part of the land is used by smallholder farmers who assign themselves to cooperatives. Coffee is mostly sold via auctions that take place weekly during harvesting season. Pricing between buyer and seller is defined by cup quality and grading, depending on the bean size. Coffee beans screened above 17/18 are named "AA" and are the biggest of their kind. The added "Top" or "Plus" refers to the cup profile.

 

CONTINENTAfrica
COFFEE REGIONSMt. Kenya, Murang'a, Meru, Kiambu
COFFEE ALTITUDES1,200 – 2,300 masl.
VARIETIESSL-28, SL-34, Ruiru 11, Batian
HARVEST PERIODOct – Feb (Main Crop), Jun – Aug (Fly Crop)
COFFEE FARMSSmallholders and plantations
AVERAGE FARM SIZE0.5 – 5.5 ha
YEARLY PRODUCTION (IN 60KG BAGS)844,000 
2021 - present, List & Beisler GmbH