By Henry Kinyua
According to The Capital Markets (Coffee Exchange) Regulations, 2020, a broker is defined as:
“A person cleared by the exchange and licensed by the Authority, who may be appointed by a coffee grower or an association of coffee growers in accordance with the Crops (Coffee) (General) Regulations, 2019, to sell their coffee on their behalf through the Exchange.”
In essence, a coffee broker is a licensed service provider regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and contracted by farmers to facilitate the preparation and presentation of their coffee for trading at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE). These brokers serve as intermediaries between coffee growers and the market, ensuring seamless transactions. Some brokerage firms are privately owned, while others operate under farmers’ unions.
Market Performance: 2024/2025 Season
The Kenyan coffee brokerage sector remains vibrant, with 15 licensed brokers actively participating. The ongoing 2024/2025 season has witnessed consistent engagement from these players, with five leading firms dominating trading volumes.
Top Five Coffee Brokers
1. Alliance Berries managed 27% of the total volumes in the 2023/2024 season and has handled 41% of the volumes up to Sale 19 in the current season.
2. New KPCU accounted for 19% of total volumes in the 2023/2024 season and currently holds 13% of the volumes up to Sale 19.
3. Kirinyaga Slopes Brokerage Company oversaw 18% of the total volumes in the 2023/2024 season, currently handling 12% of the volumes up to Sale 19.
4. KCCE-MA facilitated 7% of the total volumes in the 2023/2024 season, with an increase to 9% of the volumes up to Sale 19.
5. Kipkelion managed 6% of the total volumes in the 2023/2024 season, rising to 8% of the volumes up to Sale 19.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the performance among all licensed coffee brokers, refer to the table below, ALSO download the Kilimo News App from the Google Play Store or use the web version at app.kilimonews.co.ke
