Barista Mtaani
Brewing a nationwide coffee revolution, one town at a time
Brewing a Nationwide Coffee Revolution
Nairobi, Kenya – In the heart of Kenya, a country famed for producing some of the world’s most sought-after arabica coffee beans, a quiet revolution is percolating. While Kenyan coffee has long been a prized export, the culture of specialty coffee within the country is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Leading this change is Barista Mtaani (“Barista of the Streets/Towns”) and the Kenya Coffee School, with their innovative “Barista on the Move” program, a mobile training initiative dedicated to planting the seeds of coffee excellence in every corner of the nation.
Bridging the Gap: From Farm to Cup, Locally
For decades, a disconnect existed. Kenyan farmers cultivated exceptional beans, but the skills to roast, brew, and serve this liquid gold to international standards were concentrated in Nairobi’s upscale cafes and a few major towns. Barista Mtaani was born to dismantle this barrier. The mission is simple yet profound: to democratize specialty coffee knowledge and create economic opportunities by empowering youth and entrepreneurs in their own communities.
The “Barista on the Move” Model: A Mobile Classroom
The program’s core innovation is its mobility. A fully equipped training vehicle, carrying professional espresso machines, grinders, sample roasters, and brewing equipment, travels from town to town. This “classroom on wheels” eliminates the need for costly travel and accommodation for trainees, making world-class education accessible and affordable.
The curriculum, certified by the Kenya Coffee School, covers:
- Foundational Barista Skills: Espresso extraction, milk steaming and latte art, equipment maintenance.
- Specialty Coffee Knowledge: Understanding coffee origins, processing methods, roast profiles, and sensory evaluation (cupping).
- Brewing Methods: Mastery of pour-over (V60, Chemex), AeroPress, and French press techniques.
- Business Essentials: Cafe management, customer service, and marketing for small businesses.
Impact: More Than Just a Coffee Course
Economic Empowerment
Graduates open micro-cafés, coffee carts, or offer upgraded services in existing hotels and restaurants, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
Market Development
As skilled baristas emerge nationwide, local demand for high-quality Kenyan coffee grows, creating a more resilient domestic market for farmers.
Cultural Shift
It fosters a proud “coffee drinking culture” where Kenyans appreciate the value of their own product, moving beyond instant coffee and seeing it as a craft beverage.
Tourism Enhancement
Towns across the country can now offer a genuine specialty coffee experience, adding value to their tourism appeal.
A Journey Through Every Town and City
The vision of Barista Mtaani is total coverage—to ensure that no matter where you are in Kenya, you’re never far from a professionally brewed cup of Kenyan coffee and the knowledge behind it. The “Barista on the Move” program is committed to weaving a national network of coffee excellence.
The National Coffee Trail
Barista Mtaani’s journey to every corner of Kenya. Each location represents a community where the specialty coffee revolution is taking root.
@ https://kenyacoffeeschool.co.ke
#Barista Skills # Specialty coffee # By Alfred Gitau Mwaura #Kenya Coffee Ambassador