Kenya is taking steps to boost its coffee production by developing and distributing new coffee varieties that can withstand climate change and improve yields. The country aims to increase its output to 150,000 metric tonnes, according to the Coffee Board of Kenya Chairperson, Henry Kinyua.
Speaking at the East Africa Coffee Market & Conference (EACMC 2026), Kinyua highlighted the need for increased investment in coffee research to develop varieties that can adapt to rising temperatures and other climate-related challenges. He noted that underinvestment in this area over the past two to three decades has constrained the development of improved varieties.
One promising variety is “Arabusta”, a hybrid combining Arabica and Robusta characteristics, currently being developed by the Coffee Research Institute. Kinyua emphasized that additional funding is required to accelerate research and release these new varieties to farmers.
Kenya’s coffee production is currently projected at 60,000 metric tonnes for the 2025/2026 season, falling short of its target. To bridge this gap, Kinyua suggested focusing on higher productivity from existing farms and expanding into suitable growing areas. However, limited access to seedlings remains a significant challenge, with an estimated annual demand of 40 million seedlings, while production stands at around 10 million.
The Coffee Act of 2026 provides a framework for funding research and training. Establishing the Coffee Research and Training Institute as a standalone agency could help mobilize resources. Kenya Airways board chairman Kiprono Kittony called for a fourfold increase in coffee production without expanding cultivated land, emphasizing the need for reliable water supplies and improved agronomic support.
Historically, Kenya achieved higher coffee yields in the 1980s. Kinyua believes that improved farming practices can help restore productivity. Kittony urged growers to adopt scientific approaches, including soil analysis and water planning, to optimize their yields.
