The Future of Education Is Skills
Kenya Coffee School and Barista Mtaani are pioneering competency‑based education through Open Skills Education™ (OSE™), empowering youth with practical coffee, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and innovation skills. Founded by Alfred Gitau Mwaura.
Why Open Skills Education™ Matters
Open Skills Education™ shifts focus from academic credentials to verified competencies, enabling more people to access meaningful employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, and lifelong learning. It is a framework designed for real‑world impact in Kenya and beyond.
By blending specialty coffee training with business and life skills, OSE™ creates a pathway from learning to earning — faster, more equitably, and with measurable outcomes.
Our Programs & Impact
Kenya Coffee School
A leading coffee training institution providing practical education in specialty coffee, roasting, cupping, brewing, coffee business, and hospitality. Our courses are hands‑on and industry‑aligned.
Barista Mtaani
A grassroots movement taking coffee education, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment directly into communities across Kenya. We meet people where they are and build skills from the ground up.
Our Impact
- Skills Development
- Youth Employment
- Coffee Entrepreneurship
- Community Learning
- Industry Innovation
- Economic Inclusion
Our Specialty Coffee Courses
We offer practical, competency‑based training that prepares you for a career or business in the coffee industry. All courses are delivered under the Open Skills Education™ framework.
Barista Foundation
Master espresso extraction, milk texturing, latte art, and customer service. Ideal for entry‑level baristas and coffee lovers.
Duration: 2 weeks (full‑time) or 4 weeks (part‑time)
Coffee Roasting Essentials
Learn roasting theory, profile development, quality control, and cupping. Hands‑on sessions with professional roasters.
Duration: 3 weeks (full‑time)
Coffee Entrepreneurship
Build a viable coffee business – from sourcing and branding to operations and financial management. Designed for aspiring café owners.
Duration: 4 weeks (full‑time)
Specialty Coffee Certification
Comprehensive program covering green coffee, roasting, brewing, and sensory analysis. Prepares you for international certifications.
Duration: 6 weeks (full‑time)
Meet the Founder
Alfred Gitau Mwaura
Alfred is a passionate coffee educator and social entrepreneur. With over a decade of experience in the specialty coffee industry, he founded Kenya Coffee School and Barista Mtaani to bridge the skills gap and create meaningful opportunities for Kenyan youth.
“I believe that skills are the new currency. Through Open Skills Education™, we are not just training baristas — we are building a generation of coffee leaders who will transform our communities.”
Alfred holds certifications from the Specialty Coffee Academy (SCA) and has trained over 5000 students across Kenya. He is a frequent speaker at coffee and innovation conferences and a mentor to young entrepreneurs.
The Open Skills Education™ Framework
Open Skills Education™ (OSE™) is a competency‑based learning model designed to make education accessible, relevant, and verifiable. It is built on three pillars:
- Accessibility: Learning happens anywhere – in classrooms, communities, or online.
- Competency verification: Progress is measured by demonstrated skills, not seat time.
- Employer alignment: Curricula are co‑created with industry partners to ensure graduates are job‑ready.
OSE™ is the engine behind all Kenya Coffee School programs and the Barista Mtaani community initiative. It is also being adopted by other training institutions across East Africa, proving that skills transcend borders.
Why Kenya Coffee School?
We have trained 500+ students and partnered with 30+ coffee businesses across Kenya. Our graduates work in leading cafés, roasteries, and start their own ventures.
Join the Movement
Whether you are a young person seeking a career in coffee, an entrepreneur ready to launch a coffee venture, or a community leader wanting to bring skills to your area — Kenya Coffee School and Barista Mtaani are here to walk with you.