TRACEABILITY
Founded in 1975 under the Mutira Farmers' Cooperative Society, the Mugaya Coffee Factory is located in the scenic Kirunda sub-location, Mutira location, in Kerugoya division, Kirinyaga County. The factory caters to 924 active smallholder members, each tending an average of 200 coffee trees. The rich heritage of coffee cultivation in Mugaya is supported by ideal conditions, including an elevation of 1,570 meters above sea level, fertile red-volcanic soils, and a favourable temperature range of 12-26°C. The area benefits from an annual rainfall of 1,100mm, creating an optimal environment for coffee growth.
The factory primarily cultivates the SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, and Batian coffee varieties. Once the ripe cherries are harvested, they are processed using the wet processing method. This begins with the removal of the cherry's skin and pulp using a disc pulper. The coffee beans then undergo overnight fermentation to remove the mucilage, followed by a thorough soaking and cleaning process. Finally, the beans are carefully dried on raised tables for 7 to 15 days, depending on the local weather and production volumes, with constant turning and sorting to ensure uniform drying and top-tier quality.
Mugaya Coffee Factory stands out for its commitment to producing high-quality coffee, thanks to the dedication of its smallholder farmers and a meticulously controlled processing system.