The top five coffee-producing counties in Kenya Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Muranga, Kiambu, and Kericho play a crucial role in the country’s coffee industry, collectively contributing 59% of the national coffee production and sales value. Together, these counties produce a combined volume of 19.2 million units, valued at approximately KSh 16.9 billion, underscoring their significance in the agricultural and economic landscape of Kenya.
Kirinyaga stands out as the leading producer among the five, accounting for 17% of the national coffee volume and generating a sales value of KSh 5 billion. This leadership position highlights Kirinyaga’s strong coffee farming tradition and its focus on both quantity and quality. Closely following is Nyeri County, which contributes 15% of the total coffee output and achieves a sales value of KSh 4.4 billion. Muranga comes next with 11% of the production share and KSh 3.2 billion in sales. Kiambu and Kericho round out the top five, each contributing 8% to the overall coffee production and value.
An important feature of this top five is that four of the counties Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Muranga, and Kiambu are situated in Central Kenya, which dominates the coffee production sector with a combined 51% of the national output. Kericho, located in the Rift Valley region, completes the list, illustrating the geographical diversity of Kenya’s coffee-producing zones.
In terms of coffee quality, the premium AA grade has seen notable improvements across many of these counties. Kiambu and Kericho, in particular, have recorded the most dramatic increases in AA grade coffee, rising from 24% in previous seasons to 34% in the current season. This upward trend is significant, reflecting the ongoing efforts by farmers and cooperatives to enhance coffee quality through better agricultural practices, processing methods, and quality control.
Despite the growth in premium AA grade coffee, the AB grade remains the dominant coffee type produced across all five counties. Kiambu leads this category with 53% of its coffee production classified as AB grade during the 2024/2025 season. This dominance of AB grade coffee indicates a balanced approach by farmers who are cultivating beans that meet broad market demands while still investing in specialty and premium grades.
There has also been a general decline in the proportion of C-grade beans, which are considered lower quality. This decline is particularly evident in Kiambu County, where C-grade coffee dropped sharply from 18% to just 4%. Such a reduction not only elevates the overall quality of coffee but also enhances farmers’ income potential by shifting production towards higher-grade beans.
Specialty grades such as peaberry (PB) have maintained relatively stable proportions, with only modest fluctuations seen across the counties. This steadiness suggests a niche but consistent demand for specialty coffee types that appeal to specific market segments.
Price performance data further highlights quality variations among the top coffee-producing counties. Kirinyaga commands the highest prices, fetching $353 per 50kg bag—approximately 6% above the national average price of $333. This premium price reflects the county’s reputation for high-quality coffee and its strong position in export markets. Muranga and Nyeri follow closely, with average prices of $346 and $342 per 50kg bag, respectively, both surpassing the national average.
Conversely, Kiambu and Kericho, despite their significant production volumes, record slightly lower prices at $327 and $326 per 50kg bag, respectively. These prices are just below the national average, which may reflect differences in quality grades or market positioning.
In summary, Kenya’s coffee industry remains heavily concentrated in a few key counties, with Central Kenya at its heart. The production volumes and value generated by Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Muranga, Kiambu, and Kericho highlight their essential contribution to the sector. Ongoing improvements in coffee grading, particularly the rise in AA grade coffee, coupled with declining C-grade volumes, indicate a positive trajectory toward quality enhancement. Price variations across counties underscore the impact of quality and market dynamics on coffee revenues. As Kenya continues to strengthen its coffee production and quality standards, these counties will remain central to the country’s reputation as a leading coffee exporter.
