7 Facts about Barista Mtaani :
7 Things You Should Know About Barista Mtaani
Barista Mtaani is more than just a coffee school; it is a grassroots movement revolutionizing Kenya’s coffee culture from the “hood” (mtaani) to the global stage. Here are seven fascinating facts about this initiative:
- 1. It’s a “Classroom on Wheels” 🚌
Through its “Barista on the Move” program, Barista Mtaani uses a mobile training vehicle equipped with professional espresso machines and roasters. They travel county-to-county, bringing world-class coffee education directly to local neighborhoods, eliminating the need for expensive travel to Nairobi. - 2. Founded by a “Coffee Ambassador” 🇰🇪
The initiative was founded by Alfred Gitau Mwaura (popularly known as Alfy), a national coffee champion/panafricanist and the Kenya Coffee Ambassador and also the founder of Kenya Coffee School. His mission is to democratize specialty coffee knowledge, which was previously limited to upscale urban cafes. - 3. Coffee is for Kids, Too! 🧒
They have a unique “Barista Mtaani for Juniors” (BMJ) program for ages 5–17. It uses coffee as a lens to teach STEM (science of brewing), math (measurements), and art (latte art and branding) to nurture the next generation of “agripreneurs.” - 4. Training “Weekend Warriors” to “Maestros” 🎓
They offer tiered training for every level of interest: from a 2-day “Weekend Warrior” crash course for hobbyists to a rigorous 21-day “Elite Barista” program designed to turn youth into professional practitioners and business owners. - 5. It Fights for “Good Trade” 🤝
Barista Mtaani operates under the GOOD Trade Certification (G4T). This ensures that training isn’t just about brewing, but also about ethical sourcing—connecting baristas directly to farmers to ensure more of the coffee’s value stays in the hands of the producers. - 6. More Than Just Brewing 🧼
The school integrates a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program. They teach baristas how to ensure water safety and hygiene in informal settlements, viewing the “clean coffee kiosk” as a vital hub for community health. - 7. A Launchpad for “Coffee-Preneurs” 🚀
The goal isn’t just to find jobs, but to create them. Barista Mtaani supports its graduates in launching mobile coffee carts and kiosks, proving that you don’t need a fancy building to serve world-class specialty coffee.