Kenya, Italy strengthen coffee sector with ARABIKA project advancements 

KENYA – Kenya and Italy have collaborated over the past three years to enhance the local coffee value chain by improving cooperative governance and expanding market access. 

The ARABIKA project, a joint initiative between the two governments, has played a key role in elevating Kenya’s coffee sector. 

Speaking at the ARABIKA Coffee Day 2025 in Nairobi, Guilio Di Pinto, a representative from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), emphasized the project’s mission to enhance coffee quality and market access.  

He stated that the €3 million pilot project, funded by AICS, has worked with more than 30,000 farmers across seven counties through 21 cooperatives. 

“We closely collaborated with the Kenyan government to design interventions aimed at revamping and supporting the coffee value chain. This led to the launch of the ARABIKA project in 2021,” Di Pinto said.  

He added that Italy, a key global coffee hub, was approached to support the initiative, marking the beginning of a successful partnership. 

The ARABIKA project has actively engaged farmers, coffee cuppers, and cooperatives while also establishing coffee cupping labs to improve quality standards.  

Di Pinto reaffirmed Italy’s long-term commitment to supporting Kenya’s coffee industry, stating that future investments will build on the successes achieved so far. 

David Cheboryot, Director of Entrepreneurship Centres at e4Impact Foundation, highlighted key milestones accomplished under the project, including the development of a blockchain-based system for coffee farmers.  

“The world now demands traceable products, allowing consumers to identify farmers and their geolocation. So far, we have digitized over 30,000 farmers,” Cheboryot noted. 

Market linkages have also been a focal point, with representatives from the 21 cooperatives participating in international coffee trade events. These engagements have connected Kenyan coffee producers with global buyers and roasters, fostering international recognition. 

In addition to export market strategies, ARABIKA has supported local branding and marketing efforts. Cheboryot revealed that distinct coffee brands have been developed for the seven counties involved in the project.  

“We have worked with stakeholders to define the identity, taste profiles, and narratives behind each coffee variety,” he said, adding that these brands are in the process of being registered. 

The initiative further promotes value addition by encouraging local roasting, grinding, and packaging rather than solely exporting green coffee beans. This approach aims to increase domestic coffee consumption while boosting the earnings of farmers and cooperatives. 

Noah Kirui, ARABIKA project manager, underscored the project’s role in promoting sustainability. “We have engaged farmers in climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance coffee production and ensure a resilient value chain,” Kirui stated. 

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