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Kenya’s coffee farmers received record payouts in Q1 2024, with auction prices averaging Ksh18,500 per 50kg bag—the highest since 2019—due to supply shortages in Brazil and Colombia. The Coffee Board of Kenya reported Ksh14.2 billion in export earnings, a 52% year-on-year increase. Premium AA lots fetched over Ksh32,000, benefiting 700,000 smallholders. The direct export window allowed 120 cooperatives to bypass brokers and access EU specialty markets. Challenges remain, including aging trees and illegal exports to Uganda, but the sector is on track to double value addition through roasting and packaging by 2027.