Kenya- Kayu AA

Producer: Kayu
Farm: Various smallholder farms
Variety: Ruiru 11
Processing: Washed  
Origin: Rwatha ,Murang'a, Kenya
Elevation: 1650 masl
Tasting Notes: Dried Pineapple, Mango, Black Tea
Bag Size: 250g/8.8oz
Sourced From: Red Fox Coffee Merchants

About the Kayu Coffee Factory:

Located in the Rwatha subregion of Central Kenya’s Murang’a County, Kayu Coffee Factory has been a cornerstone of the local coffee community since its founding in 1964. Nestled at 1650 meters above sea level near Kangema town, the factory serves around 1,191 smallholder farmers from the villages of Kayu, Njumbi, Rwathia, and Mihuti.

The region’s rich volcanic red soils, coupled with a temperate climate (13–26°C) and dual rainy seasons, create ideal conditions for high-quality coffee production. Kayu operates within a biennial harvest cycle, with peak harvests occurring in both the long and short rainy seasons.

The factory spans 7 acres and stands out as the oldest coffee factory in this tea-producing region. Farmers grow coffee on small 1–2 hectare plots and manage their farms with guidance from agricultural extension officers and training programs offered by Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture. Best practices like pruning, mulching, and macadamia intercropping are encouraged, while efforts are made to discourage the mixing of coffee with less compatible crops like maize or bananas.

This Ruiru 11 by Kayu is fully washed. Water is drawn from the nearby Kagondo River, then recirculated through a diesel-powered system. After pulping, beans are fermented overnight 6-18 hours in cement tanks, washed, soaked, and dried on raised beds with regular turning and sorting. 

While many young people in the region migrate to cities in search of better opportunities, the community remains hopeful that coffee can offer a brighter future for the next generation. The area’s cultural roots run deep, with Kikuyu being the dominant language and strong community ties keeping traditional values alive.

The Roast Profile and Roast Approach:

Because this coffee is quite dense and has a higher moisture content, we knew it could handle a more aggressive roast. We chose to roast it fairly quickly, which helped bring out its vibrant tropical fruit notes while preserving a silky, tea-like body and keeping roast bitterness to a minimum.

Orders will be fulfilled on Monday 6/9/25. If you are local to the Bay Area you can choose to pick up your order at the CoRo Coffee Room for free. Just bring in your order confirmation email with you when you come and let one of the baristas know you are there to pick up an order from Lohner Coffee.

Thank you for exploring this coffee together with us!