The government has issued exclusive coffee export licenses to 10 companies, this marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to reform Kenya’s coffee sector and boost earning for smallholders farmers.
In a gazette notice dated August 22, 2025, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) announced its intention to grant the licenses under the Crops Act No. 16 of 2023, allowing the selected firms to engage in coffee export, roasting, and packaging, activities previously restricted to a limited group of operators.
The companies listed for licensing include Ptiolvic Enterprises Limited (Coffee Plaza, Nairobi), Vivid Commodities East Africa (Waiyaki House, Nairobi), Havie Africa Company Limited (Life Ministry Centre, Nairobi), Chania Chic Company Limited (Bubbles Restaurant, Thika), Logipi Waters Limited (Corner House, Nairobi), Full Circles Equities Limited (Westlands, Nairobi), Amira Kahawa Limited (Old Mombasa Road, Mombasa), Klar Company (South B, Nairobi), Elial Coffee Estates Limited (Milimani Road, Nairobi), and Kianda International Limited (Ruiru, Kiambu County).
Out of the ten, seven companies have been cleared to import, roast, and package coffee for export, while three firms, Klar Company, Elial Coffee Estates Limited, and Kianda International Limited will solely focus on direct export sales.
The AFA has invited public objections to the proposed licenses, giving stakeholders 14 days from the date of publication to submit detailed feedback or concerns.
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This consultative window is part of the regulatory process aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the sector.
The licensing move is aligned with the government’s agricultural reforms, which seek to eliminate exploitative middlemen and improve returns for farmers. Coffee, a key export crop, has been identified as a strategic pillar in Kenya’s economic development, particularly for rural communities dependent on farming.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Kenya’s coffee exports surged in 2024, rising by 12% to reach 53,519 tonnes, up from 47,861 tonnes the previous year. The increase was largely driven by expanded access to international markets and improved logistics.
Export earnings also saw a notable boost, climbing to Ksh 38.4 billion (approximately US$296.8 million) in 2024, compared to US$251 million in 2023. The bulk of these exports occurred during the second and third quarters, with 15,903 tonnes and 17,017 tonnes shipped respectively.
The final decision on the license approvals is expected by August 30, 2025, following the conclusion of the public objection period.
By Masaki Enock
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