By Henry Kinyua
If Kenya’s coffee market were a league table, the 2025/2026 season would be one of the most competitive yet, with different counties winning in different departments. And up to Sale 27 at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE), the scoreboard is already telling an exciting story.
Leading the pack is Kericho County, which has firmly established itself as the volume powerhouse this season:
• 4.02 million kilograms traded
• USD 28.27 million (≈ KSh 3.65 billion) earned
• Average price: USD 352 per 50kg bag
Kericho is not just selling more coffee; it is also bringing in the highest total earnings to the country so far.
Central Kenya continues to show strength, with Nyeri and Murang’a maintaining strong positions.
Nyeri County:
• 3.86 million kg
• USD 27.61 million (≈ KSh 3.56 billion)
• Average price: USD 358
Murang’a County:
• 3.65 million kg
• USD 24.95 million (≈ KSh 3.22 billion)
• Average price: USD 342
Nyeri stands out for balancing both high volumes and strong prices, while Murang’a continues to deliver solid consistency.
Kirinyaga Commands the Premium
While others chase volume, Kirinyaga County is quietly winning where it matters most, price.
• 3.31 million kg traded
• USD 25.30 million (≈ KSh 3.26 billion)
• Highest average price: USD 382 per 50kg bag
This confirms Kirinyaga’s reputation as a quality-driven origin, consistently attracting premium buyers.
Kiambu and Embu Hold Steady
Rounding out the top tier
Kiambu County:
• 2.60 million kg
• USD 17.78 million (≈ KSh 2.29 billion)
• Average price: USD 342
Embu County:
• 1.41 million kg
• USD 10.11 million (≈ KSh 1.30 billion)
• Average price: USD 358
Embu quietly matches Nyeri on price, showing strong quality potential despite lower volumes.
The season is shaping up with clear regional strengths.
• Kericho: Volume and total value leader
• Kirinyaga: Price leader
• Nyeri: Balanced performance (volume + price)
• Murang’a & Kiambu: Consistent contributors
• Embu: High-quality, lower-volume player
As the season progresses, the big question remains. Will volume continue to dominate, or will quality ultimately win the day? Will the regions maintain their supremacy, or will the tables turn?
Because at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, it’s not just about how much you sell, it’s about how well you sell it.
