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The countdown is on! The Coffee Farmers Open Day 2026 is happening on March 4th at Kipkelion Coffee Mill, Kericho, and we are excited to welcome all coffee farmers, agripreneurs, partners, and stakeholders.Organized by National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) in partnership with NICE, this year’s Open Day is themed “Coffee Farming as a Business.” The event is designed to empower farmers with practical knowledge, modern technologies, and market-oriented approaches that increase profitability and sustainability.

What to Expect

Participants will benefit from:

Plant clinic and practical farming tips

Coffee farming equipment demonstrations

Disease and pest management guidance

Soil testing services

Processing machinery showcases

This is a unique opportunity to interact with industry experts, service providers, and fellow farmers while learning how to improve productivity and quality.

📍 Venue: Kipkelion Coffee Mill, Kericho

📅 Date: March 4th, 2026

🎟 Entry: FREE

Come ready to learn, connect, and grow your coffee enterprise. Let’s transform coffee farming into a thriving business together!

For reservations and inquiries:

📞 0724 553 437 / 0705 903 377

📧 nicecoffeeexpo@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) recently held a strategic meeting with Dimitra to review progress on ongoing initiatives and explore new opportunities for collaboration aimed at empowering coffee cooperatives across Kenya.The meeting focused on assessing milestones achieved so far, identifying key lessons learned, and aligning on the next phase of partnership implementation. Both teams reaffirmed their shared commitment to improving livelihoods within the coffee value chain—especially for women and youth.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

1. Progress Review

NACCU presented updates on member engagement, capacity-building activities, and digital inclusion efforts supported through the partnership. The report highlighted increased participation of women in cooperative leadership and improved access to information through digital tools.

2. Empowering Women and Youth

Dimitra emphasized the importance of community-driven communication platforms that amplify the voices of women farmers. Discussions centered on strengthening grassroots engagement and ensuring more inclusive decision-making structures within cooperatives.

3. Technology for Development

The teams explored ways to leverage digital platforms to improve transparency, communication, and knowledge-sharing among cooperative members. Enhancing access to timely agricultural information remains a key priority.

4. Next Steps

Both organizations agreed to scale up collaboration, enhance monitoring mechanisms, and roll out additional support programs tailored to member needs.

A Shared Vision

This partnership reflects a shared vision of building resilient coffee cooperatives that are inclusive, transparent, and economically sustainable. By combining NACCU’s strong cooperative network with Dimitra’s innovative community engagement approach, the collaboration continues to deliver meaningful impact.Together, we are cultivating not just coffee—but opportunity, equity, and sustainable growth.

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) recently held a high-level consultative meeting with Equity Bank Kenya to explore potential partnership opportunities aimed at strengthening Kenya’s coffee cooperative movement.Building Financial Strength for CooperativesAccess to affordable and structured financial solutions remains a critical need for coffee cooperatives. The discussions centered on tailored banking products that can support working capital, advance payments to farmers, infrastructure development, and modernization of cooperative operations.

Equity Bank Kenya shared insights on innovative financing models designed specifically for agricultural value chains, emphasizing flexibility, accessibility, and sustainability.Promoting Financial Inclusion and LiteracyA key highlight of the engagement was the need to enhance financial literacy among coffee farmers and cooperative leaders. Empowering members with knowledge on savings, credit management, digital banking, and investment planning will strengthen governance and improve financial decision-making at society level.

Digital Transformation in the Coffee Value Chain

The meeting also explored digital payment systems that can improve transparency, efficiency, and traceability in coffee transactions. Leveraging technology will ensure faster payments to farmers and improved accountability within cooperatives.

A Shared Vision for Growth

This engagement reflects a shared commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening cooperative institutions, and enhancing the competitiveness of Kenya’s coffee sector in the global market.As discussions progress, NACCU remains committed to forging strategic partnerships that deliver tangible impact to coffee farmers and cooperative societies across the country.

NACCU recently held a high-level consultative meeting with UNIDO to explore opportunities for collaboration aimed at strengthening Kenya’s cooperative movement through sustainable industrial development.The meeting focused on aligning cooperative growth strategies with industrial development frameworks that enhance productivity, value addition, and market competitiveness. Both institutions recognized the critical role cooperatives play in economic empowerment, job creation, and poverty reduction.

Key Areas of Discussion

1. Value Addition and Agro-Processing

The parties discussed supporting cooperatives to move beyond primary production into value addition, enabling members to access better markets and higher returns.

2. Capacity Building and Technical Support

UNIDO’s expertise in industrial upgrading and enterprise development presents an opportunity to strengthen cooperative governance, production efficiency, and quality standards.

3. Digital and Technological

InnovationModernizing cooperative operations through digital tools and smart technologies was highlighted as a pathway to improving transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness.

4. Youth and Women Empowerment

The collaboration aims to intentionally support women and youth-led cooperatives through targeted training, entrepreneurship development, and access to industrial opportunities.

5. Sustainable and Climate-Smart Development

Both organizations emphasized the importance of environmentally sustainable production systems that align with global sustainability standards.

Looking Ahead

This engagement marks an important step toward building a structured partnership framework that will unlock technical assistance, innovation support, and sustainable industrial solutions for cooperatives.By working together, NACCU and UNIDO are laying the foundation for stronger, more competitive, and resilient cooperative enterprises that contribute meaningfully to national development.

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU), in partnership with NICE, is excited to host the Coffee Farmers Open Day 2026 under the theme “Coffee Farming as a Business.” This event is designed to empower coffee farmers with knowledge, tools, and technologies that can transform coffee farming into a profitable and sustainable enterprise.

What to Expect

Farmers attending the Open Day will gain practical insights and hands-on experience in key areas of coffee production and agribusiness, including:

Plant clinic and farming tips – Expert advice on improving crop health and yields.

Coffee farming equipment – Demonstrations of modern tools and machinery for efficient farming.

Disease and pest management – Learn how to identify, prevent, and control common coffee pests and diseases.

Soil testing – Understand your soil and how to improve fertility for better productivity.

Processing machinery – Explore coffee processing technologies that enhance quality and market value.

Why Attend?

This Open Day is an opportunity for farmers to connect with industry experts, learn best practices, and discover innovations that can improve productivity and profitability. Whether you are a smallholder farmer, cooperative leader, or agribusiness stakeholder, this event will equip you with valuable knowledge to grow your coffee business.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kipkelion for a day of learning, networking, and innovation in coffee farming.

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) convened a crucial meeting with the Bungoma County Coffee Cooperative Union to discuss the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its significance for Kenya’s coffee sector.

The session focused on sensitizing member cooperatives about the EUDR framework, which aims to ensure that coffee and other commodities entering the EU market are not linked to deforestation.

NACCU’s partner, DIMITRA, participated in the meeting, highlighting how digital traceability tools can help farmers demonstrate compliance, enhance transparency, and secure access to international markets.

This engagement marks another step in NACCU’s ongoing commitment to sustainable coffee production, cooperative empowerment, and farmer-centered innovation.

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) recently held a fruitful meeting with the Mt. Elgon Coffee Cooperative Union to discuss the implementation and implications of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on coffee production and exports.The meeting provided a vital platform for dialogue on how cooperative unions can align their operations with the EUDR framework while ensuring farmers remain empowered and sustainable coffee production is maintained.

Representatives from DIMITRA, a key partner organization working closely with NACCU, also participated in the discussions. Their presence reinforced the importance of collaboration in strengthening traceability systems, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring smallholder farmers are not left behind in the new compliance landscape.Through this engagement, NACCU continues to play a central role in advocating for cooperative-led solutions and ensuring its member unions—such as Mt. Elgon Coffee Cooperative Union—are well-equipped to navigate the evolving international coffee trade environment.

Together, NACCU, its partners, and member unions are committed to promoting sustainability, transparency, and farmer empowerment within Kenya’s coffee value chain.

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) held a consultative meeting with the Trans Nzoia Coffee Cooperative Union to discuss preparedness for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).The meeting brought together cooperative leaders, farmers, and partners to deliberate on how coffee cooperatives can align with EUDR requirements, which emphasize sustainability, transparency, and traceability in agricultural production.

During the engagement, NACCU emphasized its commitment to supporting member cooperative unions in understanding and implementing environmentally responsible practices that safeguard both livelihoods and ecosystems. The discussions focused on how cooperatives can adapt to new global standards while maintaining the integrity and competitiveness of Kenyan coffee in international markets.

Also in attendance was DIMITRA, one of NACCU’s key partners, who showcased digital innovations designed to assist cooperatives in mapping farms, improving data collection, and enhancing compliance with sustainability regulations. Their presentation highlighted how technology can bridge information gaps and empower farmers with real-time tools for better farm management and traceability.Speaking during the session, representatives from both NACCU and Trans Nzoia Coffee Cooperative Union reiterated the importance of collaboration and capacity-building to ensure farmers are well-prepared for evolving market demands.

This meeting marks another step in NACCU’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable coffee production, strengthen cooperative networks, and ensure that Kenyan coffee continues to thrive in environmentally conscious global markets.

On April 4th, 2025, the Machakos University grounds came alive with energy and excitement as coffee farmers from across the region gathered for the much-anticipated Coffee Farmers Open Day, hosted by NICE (Nyeri International Coffee Expo) in collaboration with NACCU (National Coffee Cooperative Union).

This year’s theme, “Coffee Farming as a Business,” was brought to life through a rich program of activities designed to empower farmers with practical knowledge and hands-on experience. The event featured expert-led plant clinics by the Coffee Research Institute (CRI), where farmers received personalized consultations on plant health, soil nutrition, and sustainable farming practices.

Participants explored the latest in coffee farming equipment, learned innovative techniques in disease and pest management, and engaged in live soil testing demonstrations to better understand the specific needs of their farms. One of the major highlights was the exhibition of processing machinery, giving farmers a chance to see cutting-edge technologies in action—from pulping to drying and storage.

The event served not only as a training ground but also as a marketplace for ideas and partnerships. With support from key partners like Machakos Cooperative Union, Kipkelion Union, Mt Elgon Union, and Murang’a Farmers Co-operative Union, the Open Day emphasized the power of collaboration in uplifting Kenya’s coffee sector.

Exhibitors included renowned organizations like Solidaridad, Nairobi Coffee Exchange, KALRO, and Coffee Kenya, all of whom showcased programs and services tailored to smallholder farmers. The presence of agri-tech companies and input suppliers such as Exome Electric Fencing added further depth, introducing farmers to tools that boost productivity while promoting sustainability.

Farmers left the event inspired and better equipped to view coffee not just as a crop, but as a viable, profitable enterprise. The success of the Machakos edition sets a strong tone for upcoming events in Murang’a, Kipkelion, and Mt Elgon.

The African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) Conference 2025, held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Center (JNICC) in Tanzania, brought together key players in the global coffee industry. This prestigious event served as a platform for discussing coffee production, trade opportunities, and policies shaping the future of African coffee. Among the distinguished participants was the National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU), which played a vital role in showcasing the excellence of Kenyan coffee and advocating for the interests of smallholder farmers and cooperative societies.

Kenyan Coffee Stands Out at the Trade Fair

One of the major highlights of the conference was the African Coffee Trade Fair (ACT 2025), where Kenyan farms and cooperative societies ranked among the top performers. The trade fair featured 30 top-ranking Kenyan farms and cooperative societies, reinforcing Kenya’s reputation as a producer of high-quality coffee highly valued by international buyers.

The ACT 2025 ranking results showcased the strong demand for Kenyan specialty coffee, with natural and organic processing methods standing out. Muhindi Farm (Natural) secured the top spot, followed by Sakami Coffee (AA-Natural Organic Honey) and New Joma Farm (AA). This performance demonstrated the growing preference for Kenyan AA, AB, and specialty coffee, particularly those processed using natural and organic methods.

By participating in the trade fair, NACCU facilitated direct interactions between Kenyan coffee farmers and international buyers from Japan, China, and Korea. This provided farmers with new market opportunities, allowing them to secure better pricing and long-term business relationships.

Advocating for Farmer-Friendly Policies

Beyond market engagement, NACCU played a crucial role in discussions on policies affecting Kenyan coffee farmers and cooperatives. These policy dialogues, attended by industry leaders, government officials, and global stakeholders, focused on key challenges and opportunities in the coffee sector.

During the conference, NACCU emphasized the need for better financing for cooperatives, improved access to global markets, and investments in coffee processing infrastructure. Discussions also explored ways to enhance sustainability in coffee farming by encouraging eco-friendly processing techniques and certification programs.

By advocating for stronger policies that support coffee producers, NACCU reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Kenyan coffee farmers receive fair prices and greater economic stability.

Strengthening the Cooperative Model

As a key representative of Kenyan coffee cooperatives, NACCU highlighted the importance of strengthening the cooperative model to empower smallholder farmers. Many of the top-ranking farms in ACT 2025 were either directly linked to cooperatives or benefited from cooperative-led initiatives in quality control, processing, and marketing.

Through cooperative structures, farmers gain greater bargaining power, improved access to training, and the ability to participate in high-value markets. NACCU’s presence at the conference reinforced the role of cooperatives in enhancing coffee quality, stabilizing farmer incomes, and reducing reliance on middlemen.

Looking Toward Future Opportunities

With the success of NACCU’s participation in the AFCA Conference 2025, the organization is focused on expanding its efforts in the coming years. The upcoming 3rd Edition of the African Coffee Trade Fair (ACT 2026) presents new opportunities for Kenyan cooperative societies to engage in direct trade and explore innovative coffee processing methods.

NACCU remains dedicated to supporting Kenyan coffee farmers by securing better markets, advocating for favorable policies, and promoting sustainable farming practices. As global demand for high-quality, traceable coffee continues to grow, NACCU’s efforts ensure that Kenyan coffee remains a preferred choice among international buyers.

By fostering strong partnerships and championing the interests of smallholder farmers, NACCU continues to be a driving force in elevating Kenya’s coffee industry on the global stage.