Bungoma County, recognized by the coffee code XDA, is one of Kenya’s notable coffee-growing regions. The county hosts 44 registered cooperatives, although some are currently operating below optimal levels. In the 2024/2025 coffee season, Bungoma and its two main affiliated cooperatives, Chepkube (XDA 004) and Kimama (XDA 039), have demonstrated significant improvements in coffee quality compared to the previous 2023/2024 season.
The key highlight this season has been the marked increase in premium coffee grades, especially the AA grade, which is the highest quality recognized at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange. Bungoma County’s AA grade coffee increased substantially from 17% to 30%. Chepkube also showed progress, with its AA grade rising modestly from 21% to 23%. Kimama, however, led the quality improvements with a remarkable jump from 24% to 34% in its AA grade coffee.
This leap in quality has had a direct impact on coffee prices. Bungoma County experienced a notable 53% increase in average coffee price per 50 kg bag, rising from $209 to $319. Chepkube’s average price grew by 50%, going from $212 to $319 per bag, while Kimama achieved a similar 50% price increase, with prices rising from $219 to $329 per 50 kg bag. These figures clearly show that the coffee buyers at the exchange are rewarding improved quality with better prices, enhancing the potential earnings for farmers and cooperatives.
Despite these positive price developments, there is a concerning trend in production volumes. Bungoma County’s total coffee production fell drastically by over 50%, declining from 1,736,750 kg to 845,483 kg. The cooperatives Chepkube and Kimama faced even steeper drops in their volumes, with Chepkube’s production decreasing by 57% and Kimama’s by a significant 65%. Such declines in output are worrisome and call for a closer examination of the underlying factors affecting production, such as weather conditions, pest and disease challenges, or farm management practices.
The drop in production volume raises important questions for Bungoma coffee stakeholders. Will the remaining coffee sales planned for the period from July to September be sufficient to offset the current shortfall in volumes? Or are there deeper issues at play that might continue to affect coffee output and overall county performance in future seasons? These are pressing concerns for farmers, cooperative managers, and county agricultural officials alike.
The quality gains and price increases signal positive progress in Bungoma County’s coffee sector, reflecting the efforts to improve coffee handling and processing standards. However, the sharp decline in volumes tempers the optimism and underscores the need for sustained interventions to boost production. This could include better agronomic practices, pest and disease control, improved access to farming inputs, and training for farmers and cooperative members.
In summary, Bungoma County and its cooperatives Chepkube and Kimama have made significant strides in enhancing coffee quality, resulting in much higher prices for their coffee at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange. However, the considerable fall in production volumes presents a critical challenge that needs urgent attention to ensure that the county’s coffee sector remains competitive and profitable in the coming years. Stakeholders must closely monitor upcoming sales and continue working on solutions that stabilize and increase coffee production to fully benefit from the quality improvements already achieved.
