Kenya Coffee School – Comprehensive Coffee Education Programs

The Kenya Coffee School provides end-to-end training across the coffee value chain, equipping youth, women, and farmers with the technical skills, business knowledge, and digital competencies needed to thrive in Kenya’s modern coffee economy.

1. Coffee Farming & Agronomy

Focus: From seed to harvest.
Training Includes:

  • Coffee Crop Management – Planting techniques, pruning, pest control, and disease management.
  • Sustainable Farming Practices – Water conservation, organic farming, and biodiversity protection.
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture – Adapting coffee production to changing weather patterns.
  • Traceability & Certification – Understanding Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and organic certification processes.
    Impact: Improves quality and yield, increases farmer incomes, and ensures market compliance.

2. Coffee Processing & Quality Control

Focus: Post-harvest excellence.
Training Includes:

  • Processing Methods – Washed, natural, honey, and experimental processes.
  • Sorting & Grading – Ensuring consistent bean quality.
  • Quality Control & Cupping – Sensory analysis to evaluate coffee flavor profiles.
  • Storage & Preservation – Maintaining coffee quality through proper storage.
    Impact: Maximizes coffee flavor, opens access to specialty markets, and reduces post-harvest losses.

3. Coffee Roasting & Packaging

Focus: Turning green beans into value-added products.
Training Includes:

  • Roasting Science – Understanding roast profiles and their impact on flavor.
  • Roasting Equipment Operation – Safe and efficient machine use.
  • Packaging Techniques – Preserving freshness through proper materials and sealing methods.
  • Branding & Labeling – Creating appealing, market-ready coffee packaging.
    Impact: Enables youth and farmers to capture higher margins through value addition.

4. Barista Skills & Beverage Innovation

Focus: Professional coffee preparation.
Training Includes:

  • Espresso Mastery – Extraction techniques, grinder calibration, and dosing.
  • Brew Methods – Pour-over, French press, AeroPress, cold brew, siphon, and more.
  • Milk Texturing & Latte Art – Creating visually appealing beverages.
  • Signature Drink Creation – Innovating unique coffee-based beverages.
    Impact: Prepares trainees for employment in cafés, hotels, and events, while fostering creativity in the coffee sector.

5. Hospitality & Customer Service

Focus: Enhancing the customer experience.
Training Includes:

  • Customer Engagement Skills – Building rapport and handling complaints professionally.
  • Service Standards – Following hygiene (HACCP) and presentation protocols.
  • Upselling Techniques – Boosting sales through product recommendations.
    Impact: Increases customer satisfaction, loyalty, and business profitability.

6. Coffee Business & Entrepreneurship

Focus: Building sustainable coffee ventures.
Training Includes:

  • Business Planning & Management – Financial literacy, budgeting, and operations.
  • Franchise Models – Replicating the Barista Mtaani kiosk and café system.
  • Supply Chain Management – Sourcing, inventory control, and logistics.
  • Market Entry Strategies – Navigating local, regional, and export markets.
    Impact: Enables trainees to become self-employed entrepreneurs instead of job seekers.

7. Coffee Tourism & Experience Design

Focus: Linking coffee culture with tourism.
Training Includes:

  • Coffee Farm Tours – Hosting and guiding visitors.
  • Coffee Tasting Experiences – Creating immersive cupping sessions.
  • Storytelling for Coffee Brands – Sharing origin stories to enhance value perception.
    Impact: Diversifies income streams for coffee businesses and promotes Kenyan coffee culture.

8. Digitalization & E-Commerce for Coffee

Focus: Leveraging technology for growth.
Training Includes:

  • POS Systems & Inventory Apps – Streamlining daily operations.
  • Mobile Payments & Financial Tools – Integrating M-Pesa, PayPal, and microfinance access.
  • Social Media Marketing – Building online presence and engaging customers.
  • Participation in Barista Mtaani Coffee Auction – Selling value-added coffee online without a dealer’s license.
    Impact: Expands market access, improves efficiency, and future-proofs coffee businesses.

9. Coffee Competitions & Career Development

Focus: Preparing professionals for recognition and growth.
Training Includes:

  • Competition Skills – World Barista Championship preparation.
  • Portfolio Building – Documenting skills and achievements.
  • Networking & Mentorship – Connecting with industry leaders and potential employers.
    Impact: Raises professional standards and opens global career opportunities.