BACKGROUND
Kiandu coffee factory was formed in 1970 under Tetu coffee growers coop out of 18 factories
then during 1989 it merged into Mutheka FCS. In 2011 it became a society of its own. It has
1,524 active members. Each of these farmers on average grows 200 or so coffee trees and most
farms grow other crops such as maize, beans, and sweet potato.
LOCATION
The Kiandu Coffee Factory (also society) is located at Karundu location and Kiandu sub-location
in Nyeri County.
SOILS AND CLIMATE
Kiandu Coffee Factory experiences moderate bimodal rainfall and temperatures here range
from 13 to 26C year round. The main varieties of coffee grown here is SL28, Batian, SL34 and
Ruiru 11.The region has deep, fertile well drained red volcanic soils which are ideal for coffee
production.

PROCESSING
After picking, the ripe coffee cherry is brought to the factory by the farmers, before it is
processed to remove the skin and pulp, before coffee undergoes a dry fermentation to break
down the mucilage sticking to the parchment, staying in the fermentation tanks for eighteen to
24 hours.
Then, coffee travels through washing channels to ensure all the pulp is removed and goes
through one final overnight soak before being spread out on raised drying tables where it stays
for 7-15 days, depending on climate, ambient temperature and the amount of coffee being
processed.

SUSTAINABLE FARMING
In line with the rising awareness on the need to conserve the environment, the factory has dug
the waste water soak pits away from the water source where the waste water is allowed to
soak in back to the soil. Currently the factory does not engage in waste water treatment.
Additionally the society encourages its members to plant trees on their farms.
PRE-FINANCING FARMERS
From funds set aside from the previous year’s harvest, members of the cooperative can access
pre-financing for school fees, access to farm inputs and funds for emergency needs.
The factory is receiving assistance from a field partner- Coffee Management Services (CMS).
The long term goal is to increase coffee production through farmer training, ready access to
inputs, Good Agricultural Practice seminars, and providing the most current printed materials
on sustainable farming. By paying the producers some of the highest returns for their coffee
this objective becomes more possible.
C. Dorman strongly believes in establishing a transparent, trust based relationship with
smallholder farmers, helping to support sustained industry growth throughout the country, and
continuing to elevate the standards of quality coffee produced in Kenya.
MANAGEMENT
Kiandu Coffee Factory is run by a factory manager who oversees all activities within the factory.
Together with other staff members they carry out duties such as weighing coffee, selection and
grading of coffee, paying farmers and addressing farmers’ complaints.