Kiamabara Coffee Factory was established in 1995 following the division of the larger Mathira Farmers’ Cooperative Society. It is now part of the Mugaga Farmers’ Cooperative Society and is located in Kabare, within Nyeri County. The factory works with around 3,000 active smallholder farmers. Most members grow coffee on small plots of land, typically around half a hectare, often alongside other crops such as macadamia, bananas, beans, and maize.
The factory is situated at about 1,900 metres above sea level and benefits from deep red volcanic soils, cool temperatures, and steady rainfall throughout the year. These growing conditions are ideal for producing high-quality coffee. The area experiences two rainy seasons, which support a bimodal crop cycle, with harvests taking place from April to June and again from October to December.
Farmers manage their own plots and are responsible for tasks such as planting, weeding, pruning, and fertilising. They receive support from the Ministry of Agriculture through regular field visits and training. A field committee helps ensure that farmers follow good agricultural practices and avoid intercropping coffee with certain incompatible crops, though macadamia is allowed.
The factory is managed by a dedicated team, including a factory manager and three representatives who sit on the society’s management committee. The staff are responsible for key operations such as weighing, grading, and recording coffee deliveries, making payments, and helping farmers with any concerns. Through its structure and support, Kiamabara continues to promote quality coffee production and strong community involvement.
