Kenya’s Coffee Exports Surge as Global Prices Soar

Kenya’s coffee export earnings jumped 45% in Q1 2024, reaching Ksh12.3 billion, as global Arabica prices hit a 46-year high due to Brazilian frosts and Colombian supply issues. The Coffee Board reported a 32% rise in auction prices, benefiting over 700,000 smallholder farmers. Premium lots fetched over Ksh30,000 per 50kg bag—triple the 2022 average. The government fast-tracked the Coffee Cherry Advance Scheme to ensure upfront payments. Challenges remain, including aging trees and illegal exports to Uganda, but the new coffee reforms allowing farmers direct export access are showing promise. Industry leaders urge investment in processing and branding to capture more value from specialty markets in the EU and Japan.