Kenya - Kii Factory

Coffee farms stretch out continuously across the highlands surrounding the slopes of Mt Kenya, and it is here that some of the finest and most unique coffees in the world are grown under the watchful eye of producers. Kenyan coffees often exhibit exotic citrus or stone fruit flavors and are highlighted by distinct currant notes that truly tantalize the senses. For a very limited time, we have this beautiful example of what a Kenyan coffee can be. The Kii coffee factory rests in the Kirinyaga region, where around 80 farmers from the surrounding area deliver their coffee harvests. The Kii factory, which is named after a nearby river, serves as a one stop place for receiving coffee, processing the coffee cherry, washing and drying, and finally transporting the coffee to be prepared for export around the world. Kii is an integral part of the Rung’eto Farmers Cooperative Society, which includes 3 total factories in the area. Once the coffee arrives at the factory from the various farmers, the coffee cherries are sorted, pulped and then fermented overnight in large holding tanks. The next day, the coffees are removed from the tanks and placed on raised drying beds for 8-14 to achieve the optimal moisture content level. The coffee is constantly monitored and turned to ensure even drying and to minimize any defects from occurring. The factory gives the discarded coffee fruit back to the farmers so that they can create compost which is one of the best ways of naturally fertilizing the soil in an environmentally friendly way.