Kenya Coffee School declares Kenya must author the next global beverage wave – not just export green beans
The global specialty coffee industry has entered a historic inflection point.
Around the world, consumers are splitting into two powerful segments:
- those who demand pure, single-origin, terroir-driven coffees
- those who demand customised iced drinks, matcha, drinking chocolate, wellness and lifestyle blends
Chains like Blank Street in the US & UK have built billion-shilling revenue growth – not by doubling down on black coffee – but by offering high-quality, visually exciting, youth-centric signature beverages.
The lesson is clear:
specialty coffee is no longer a static product category – it is a culture category.
Kenya Coffee School and Barista Mtaani say this is Kenya’s moment to lead.
“Kenya shouldn’t just be a raw coffee supplier to the world.
Kenya must be the R&D epicentre of new beverage innovation – powered by youth, grounded in farmers.”
– Kenya Coffee School Leadership
Why Kenya must lead – right now
Kenya produces some of the world’s top coffees.
Kenya has the youngest, most creative consumer culture in Africa.
And Kenya is already exporting baristas, roasters and trainers.
This combination is unique.
Kenya Coffee School and Barista Mtaani are now strategically training the next beverage scientists and next generation specialty architects – baristas who can:
- respect farmers + origin + processing
- AND design world-class custom beverage innovation
This is how Kenya goes from “the place that exports raw beans” to “the place that exports beverage intellectual property”.
The new Kenya mandate: Farmer Respect + Consumer Excitement
Kenya Coffee School’s message to the industry is direct:
Stop thinking either/or.
This is not “pure origin vs flavoured drinks”.
This is origin + creativity + wellness + experience.
The call to market:
Cafés, roasters, cooperatives, youth entrepreneurs:
Join in building beverage programs that protect farmer value and give Gen Z consumers the sensory theatre they demand.
Kenya Coffee School and Barista Mtaani are announcing sector mobilisation forums in 2025 to align barista training, farmer education, and Kenya beverage IP development.
It’s time for Kenya to not follow global coffee trends.
It’s time for Kenya to author them.
Media Contact:
Kenya Coffee School : Press Office
+254 (0) 707503647
press@kenyacoffeeschool.com