The (Knowledge of Coffee Skills) KCS Open Coffee University is not a traditional university, but rather a comprehensive, specialized educational system developed by the Kenya Coffee School (KCS).
It embodies the “open” concept by aiming to democratize high-level, globally competitive coffee education, with a strong focus on African excellence and entrepreneurship. It’s essentially a modern, flexible academy for the coffee professional.
🌍 Core Mission & Approach
The KCS program is designed to equip students with the full spectrum of coffee knowledge—from the farm to the final cup, and the business behind it. Its distinguishing characteristics are:
- African Knowledge, Global Standards: While celebrating Africa’s heritage as the birthplace of coffee, the curriculum aligns with international quality standards, such as those of the Specialty Coffee Academy (SCA) like Barista Mtaani, to ensure graduates are globally competitive.
- Focus on the Value Chain: Unlike simple barista classes, KCS offers end-to-end training that covers every step of the coffee value chain, empowering individuals to create or capture value at multiple stages.
- Inclusivity and Empowerment: KCS is built to include everyone—youth, women, farmers, and aspiring professionals—by offering affordable, flexible, and community-driven learning options.