Kenya’s Coffee Exports to Kuwait Fetch Record High Prices

Kenya, 13 November 2025 - Kenya’s coffee growers have landed a notable triumph in the global marketplace: a consignment exported to Kuwait fetched US$2,706.88 (About KSh 349,728) per 50‑kilogramme bag in the three months to June 2025, making it the highest‑priced sale in the world for that period.

Data from the Agriculture & Food Authority (AFA) reveals that this translates to around US$ 54 (approx KSh 6,970) per kilogramme of green coffee, and farmers received about KSh 160 per kilogram of cherry.

The premium price achieved with the Kuwaiti buyer represents a dramatic out‑premium over long‑established markets.

During the same period the average price in the United States was around US$456 per 50‑kg bag, Switzerland US$339 and the United Kingdom US$438.

The fact that an export market such as Kuwait, less traditionally associated with Kenyan coffee, was willing to pay more than 3.5 times previous peak prices underlines both the quality premium available and the evolving global demand dynamics in specialty and direct‑sale coffee.

Why It Matters

For Kenyan coffee farmers and the broader sector, this record‑price moment has several implications.

Firstly, it confirms that Kenya’s high‑altitude Arabica coffees, especially premium grades such as “AA”, “AB” and specialty microlots, continue to command global interest, and buyers are willing to pay a steep premium for traceability, quality and origin.

Secondly, the earnings boost is significant in a sector that has long struggled with low farm‑gate prices, high costs of production, and structural challenges.

While the KSh 160 per kg cherry price is still modest compared with the end‑value of roasted coffees, it points to better income potential for growers if they position for premium export markets.

Thirdly, the trend suggests that Kenyan coffee’s marketing strategy, via direct‑sales or “second‑window” channels rather than purely auction‑based commodity routes, is paying dividends. It highlights the importance of destination markets, value‑addition, and differentiated export strategies.

What This Means for Stakeholders

For growers and cooperatives, the message is clear: quality matters more than ever. Those who invest in better agronomy, proper processing, sorting, and traceability stand to benefit from premium buyers.

For exporters and marketing agents, there is a clear mandate to deepen relationships with high‑value markets beyond traditional buyers, negotiate direct‑contracts, and emphasise origin narratives.