This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
July 10, 2019 - Nairobi, Kenya - The Kenyan coffee market has witnessed a significant surge in recent years, with international coffee outlets entering the scene and local consumption rising exponentially.
According to the Coffee Directorate, local coffee consumption stood at 8,498 60kg bags (509.90 metric tonnes) in 2009, rising to 12,405 bags (744 metric tonnes) in 2014 and topping 18,396 bags (1,103.76 metric tonnes) in 2018.
International coffee chains such as Burger King, Dominos, Dormans, Subway, Java House, and ArtCaffe have established stores across the country, targeting the middle-income segment where incomes are rising.
Local coffee brands like Savannah, Café Espresso, and Café Arabika are also thriving, with the number of outlets in Nairobi's central business district alone exceeding five.
Kenya is a major coffee producer, exporting high-quality Arabica coffee to the world, with the sector contributing to the livelihoods of over 700,000 smallholder growers.
Insurance agent Erick Wanyama is among the many Kenyans who have taken to coffee culture, citing the convenience and quality of coffee shops as reasons for his frequent visits.
"Initially, when one visited the shop, they would be offered the processed drink but these days you are offered the locally brewed coffee," Wanyama noted.
The cost of a mug of coffee varies, ranging from Ksh 250 (US$2.5) in local outlets to over Ksh 1,000 (US$10) in international outlets, depending on the quality of coffee.
