Kenya has long been celebrated for producing some of the world's most expressive coffees. Home to nearly 700,000 coffee producers—of which around 70% are smallholder farmers—the country's reputation is built on generations of meticulous cultivation, ideal growing conditions, and a deep commitment to quality.

This particular lot comes from Kioru Farm, an independent farm owned by the Kioru Farmers' Cooperative Society (FCS) in Murang'a County. Originally part of the Kagunduini Farmers' Cooperative Society established in the 1960s, Kioru became its own cooperative in 1999 and today represents around 350 members. The farm itself operates its own processing facilities, allowing greater control over quality from harvest to export.

Perched at approximately 1,632 metres above sea level, the farm benefits from cool temperatures, nutrient-rich red volcanic soils, and consistent rainfall that encourage the slow development of coffee cherries—resulting in exceptional sweetness, clarity, and complexity. To maintain soil health, the farmers enrich the land naturally with compost, coffee pulp, manure, and green organic matter.

Only fully ripe cherries are handpicked before being carefully sorted and dried as whole cherries on raised African beds. Over a period of 2 to 4 weeks, the cherries are regularly turned to ensure even drying and to prevent unwanted fermentation, until they reach an ideal moisture content of 12–13%. This meticulous natural processing method enhances the coffee's vibrant fruit character while maintaining remarkable clarity in the cup.

This lot was sourced by our exporting partner, Mercanta Coffee, via Kenya Co-operative Coffee Exporters Limited (KCCE), which was founded in June 2009. Established with the support of the Kenyan government, KCCE was created to give coffee producers greater control over the marketing of their coffees while improving long-term sustainability. Beyond connecting exceptional coffees with international roasters, KCCE provides technical guidance, quality support, and market access that enable smallholder farmers to improve production, increase income, and continue investing in their farms and local communities.

Every new Kenyan harvest is something we eagerly anticipate at Dutch Colony, and Kioru has certainly lived up to that expectation. Wonderfully juicy and bursting with character, this coffee opens with vibrant notes of orange tea, blackcurrants, guava and pomegranate, supported by the bright, lively acidity that has made Kenyan coffees so highly regarded around the world. As the cup cools, even more layers of sweetness and complexity begin to emerge, making each sip as exciting as the last.

Whether brewed hot or served over ice, Kioru is a coffee that continually rewards exploration. We especially recommend trying it over ice—the refreshing fruit-forward profile truly comes alive. Trust us on this one.