Coffee prices at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange continued their steady upward trend during Sale 40, held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The auction reflected strong demand, significant volumes, and robust value generation, showcasing the resilience of Kenya’s coffee sector.
During this trading session, a total of 14,726 bags, weighing 913,199 kilograms, were sold, generating an impressive USD 7,797,086.80 (Ksh 1 billion). The market’s highest price reached USD 538 per 50kg bag, achieved for 10 bags of AA grade coffee from Ruarai Factory, part of Ruthaka Farmers’ Cooperative Society (FCS) in Nyeri County. The factory also presented two additional lots that sold at USD 530 and USD 502 per bag, highlighting Nyeri’s continued dominance in quality coffee production.
Overall, 582 bags (4% of total volume) were sold at prices above USD 500 per bag (equivalent to USD 10 per kilogram). This premium segment featured several notable cooperatives and estates.
From Machakos, New Mitamboni fetched between USD 510 and USD 535, while Mukuyuni FCS achieved prices ranging from USD 508 to USD 525. In Murang’a, Kangunu recorded strong bids at USD 523–525, with some lots hitting USD 502. Meru also stood out, with Kangeta/Ingento FCS selling at USD 534 and individual estates like Mwithu Estate at USD 537, and Ayub Bundi Farm achieving USD 528 for 11 bags. Thithi Farm in Murang’a also secured high prices at USD 531. Kirinyaga’s Mukengeria Factory rounded off the top performers with USD 526 per bag.
The overall average price across all grades was USD 426.91 per 50kg bag, equivalent to USD 8.5 per kilogram or approximately Ksh 169 per kilogram of cherry. This represents a 3% increase compared to the previous week’s average, reflecting continued strengthening of the market.
Sale 40 results underscore the premium that buyers continue to place on Kenya’s specialty coffee, particularly from high-altitude regions known for their rich, aromatic profiles. The consistent rise in prices highlights both the global demand for Kenyan coffee and the importance of quality differentiation among cooperatives and estates.
