Kianyangi Coffee Factory is one of four coffee processing stations managed by the Murue Farmers Cooperative Society, which unites around 950 small-scale producers.
Interestingly, this is the first coffee from Embu in Cloud Picker's selection since 2017. The region is among Kenya's well-known coffee-growing areas, located on the southern slopes of Mount Kenya. Similar to Kiambu, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga, the high altitude and rich soils here create excellent conditions for coffee cultivation.
Kianyangi also stands out with its modern Pinhalense pulpers, which allow for significantly more efficient water usage and, consequently, reduce environmental impact. However, this is only part of the cooperative's role in the local community. Its members have access to advance funding for school fees, farm expenses, and emergencies. Special wastewater drainage areas have also been built, located away from local water sources, so that the soil can naturally filter them. The cooperative also organizes farmer training and tree-planting initiatives for more sustainable agriculture.
When producers deliver their harvest to Kianyangi, the coffee cherries are hand-sorted, and only fully ripe and healthy fruits are selected for processing. After pulp removal, the coffee ferments overnight, then it is washed and sorted. Drying continues for 9 to 15 days on raised beds before the coffee is sent to Embu Coffee Mill for the final stage of dry processing.
